Dwyane Wade's 39 points ensured that the Bulls' 9-game winning streak came to an end and it also ensured that the Miami Heat would have homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, winning 104-86 despite playing without Shaquille O'Neal.

"The only thing we're going to be judged on is the playoffs. Fine; that's the nature of the business," Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said. "But it's a long season and you've got to take some pride in the accomplishments along the way. ... To play 82 games better than anybody in your conference is a heck of an accomplishment."

"He's the best guard in the league," Bulls coach Scott Skiles said of Wade.