Miami Heat Team Report - April 4

(Basketball News) - Caron Butler scored 19 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in leading the Miami Heat to a 97-83 triumph over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

Eddie Jones netted a game-high 21 points for the Heat, who swept the season series against the Bulls for the first time in franchise history. Lamar Odom had a solid night by posting a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards, while Rafer Alston came off the bench to net 10 in the winning effort.

With the win, the Heat moved a half-game behind idle Milwaukee for fourth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Heat have been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning 13 of their last 16 contests.

Alston hit a three-pointer for the 43rd straight game in the win.

The Heat, which will now return home for a pair of games, won for just the fourth time in their last nine on the road and improved to 12-27 away from home this season.

Miami returns to action on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics.