After victories against the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat faced a tougher test against the Chicago Bulls Nov. 1. The game proved to be an evenly matched contest, with 15 lead changes. However, it was the Heat that made key plays down the stretch that led to a 95-87 win for Miami.

John Salmons sank a three-pointer with three minutes and 54 seconds left in the game to put the Bulls up, 83-82. On the ensuing Heat possession, Wade knocked down a baseline jumper to give Miami back the lead. After Derrick Rose came up short on the other end of the court, Mario Chalmers nicely found Udonis Haslem for a jump shot that put the Heat up, 86-83.

Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro called a timeout, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra substituted Joel Anthony for Jermaine O'Neal. The reserve center blocked a Salmons layup upon entering the game. After Miami secured the ball, Wade found Quentin Richardson in the corner for a triple. And although Anthony committed two ill-advised fouls that ended up pulling the Bulls within 87-89 with just 63 seconds left, Wade found Haslem for a jumper that iced the game with 47 seconds left.

The Heat improved to 3-0 on the season, something it hasn't accomplished since the 2004-05 campaign. Moreover, a free throw by Wade in the third quarter gave him 10,000 points for his career. No other Miami player has reached such a feat.

There were a few notable performances in this game. Wade had 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting from the field and 8-of-10 shooting from the foul line. The 6-foot-4 guard out of Marquette made smart plays throughout the game. In the second quarter, he found Michael Beasley for an alley-oop and completed a behind-the-back crossover move that got him a layup. In the third period, he was able to take three free-throws after performing his classic pump-fake.

Haslem was the second-best player for Miami tonight. He finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes off the bench. He shot a sizzling 9-of-13 from the field, seemingly always delivering when he received an open shot. The Heat's co-captain is flourishing in his role as a reserve, taking advantage of some added offensive opportunities. He and Beasley would again see minutes together.

Miami's forward tag-team of Beasley and Haslem isn't the only one that is producing impressive results. Carlos Arroyo complemented Chalmers very well. Arroyo created some offense for himself and shot five-of-seven from the field for 12 points. His quickness and stroke will be useful when Wade is not on the court. Chalmers added 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting, but turned the ball over five times. The sophomore out of Kansas State botched a few fast-break opportunities for the Heat. Chalmers must improve his decision-making, but he was smart down the stretch.

Beasley and O'Neal came back to Earth offensively. Miami's 2008 first-round pick shot a dismal 3-of-12 from the field, but he did contribute in other areas. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Kansas State grabbed 11 rebounds -- four of which were offensive -- and had a nice block on Joakim Noah in the third quarter. Although Beasley was off with his shot, he did a good job. O'Neal only attempted six field goals. The Heat's guards cannot continue to feed O'Neal the ball when there are only seven seconds on the shot clock. The best way to utilize him is when he can establish position, kick the ball back out and then regain possession. The 6-foot-11 center did snare seven rebounds, though.

Daequan Cook decided to sit out with his lingering shoulder injury. Richardson knocked down the aforementioned late three-pointer and also sank a triple as the shot-clock expired in the third quarter. The Heat's newcomer struggled against the 6-foot-9 Luol Deng. But instead of going to James Jones or Yakhouba Diawara, Spoelstra gave Dorell Wright significant minutes. Wright was not bad, coming out of nowhere to block a Jannero Pargo fast-break layup in the fourth quarter. Wright did little to slow down Deng, however, who finished with 26 points.

It is quite interesting that Spoelstra decided not to play Jones nor Diawara, who were both on the active roster. Perhaps Spoelstra is trying to come up with a more consistent rotation than the one he used last season. It may be premature, but Jones' stay in Miami may not last much longer.

Sunday's match was just another exciting game between the Heat and the Bulls. Remember when Wade knocked down a three-pointer to close a double-overtime game against Chicago? Or when Shawn Marion's last play in a Heat uniform was a game-winning dunk against the Bulls? And any Miami fan would remember how Chicago embarrassed Miami during its title defense year. With all of this past drama and the added hype of Wade possibly signing with the Bulls in 2010, this would make for a nice playoff series.

The Heat will host Phoenix Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. and try to improve to 4-0 on the season.