Aussies Abroad: Giddey's Bulls fall short

Australian star Josh Giddey's NBA play-offs dream is over after the Chicago Bulls' home loss to Miami in the Play-In Tournament.

Melbourne-born Giddey top-scored for the Bulls with 25 points, including 13 in the first quarter, at the United Centre on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST).

But he could not prevent a rampant Heat outfit reversing their fortunes in a 109-90 win after three straight losses to the Bulls during the regular season.

The Heat's defence was the difference as they held Chicago to their lowest score of the campaign.

Tyler Herro top-scored with 38 points for Miami alongside Andrew Wiggins (20), Bam Adebayo (15) and Davion Mitchell (15).

Giddey's 25 led the Bulls, who shot at less than 40 per cent from the field and just 27 per cent from three-point territory, while also committing 17 turnovers.

Three of those were by Giddey, who also had 10 rebounds and four assists.

It was Chicago's third-straight defeat to Miami in the post-season and meant Giddey missed the chance to play in Atlanta on Friday (Saturday AEST) against a Hawks side featuring Australian Dyson Daniels.

Miami will instead have that honour, with the winner to face Cleveland in the first round of the play-offs.

Giddey was cleared to play against the Heat despite missing the Bulls' final two regular-season games because of an injured right wrist.

The 22-year-old had impressed against the same opponents during the regular season, averaging 26 points, 10 assists and 10.3 rebounds as the Bulls won all three meetings.

And he picked up where he left off with 13 points in the first period - more than half of his team's total.

But Miami ended it with a 39-25 lead and built a commanding 71-47 lead by half-time.

The visitors retained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half despite the Bulls threatening to fight their way back into the game.

Giddey's three early in the fourth period reduced the deficit to 13 points but Chicago never got close enough to seriously threaten.

Giddey enjoyed an outstanding campaign, joining LeBron James and Nikola Jokic in an elite statistical club on the Bulls' run to the post-season.

He became only the third NBA player after legends James and Jokic to record 1000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists this season.

Only four players - Jokic, James, Luka Doncic and Domantas Sabonis - reached the mark last season.

Giddey notched those numbers for the first time in his fourth NBA season.