Tyler Hero backs off a challenge from Benny the Bull during the delay
The The clash between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night has been postponed until a later date yet to be determined after condensation on the United Center floor made the pitch unplayable. However, everyone had long hoped that the treacherous conditions would somehow be resolved, leading to an entertaining but ultimately fruitless wait for both the Heat and Bulls.
To pass the time, Heat star Tyler Herro challenged Bulls mascot Benny to a half-court backward kick challenge. Benny Beek knows the United center like the back of his hand, which is what made this challenge so daunting for the Heat guard.
Given the home field advantage of kicking first, Benny the Bull then effortlessly drilled a no-look shot which he flicked back. Hero, recognizing the impossibility of the challenge, decided to retire all in all, knowing that he could never match what the legendary mascot had just done.
Benny the Bull beats Tyler Hero in a back-to-back shooting contest as Bulls-Heat still trail 🏀
Guess who won?
(via @JoelXLorenzi)pic.twitter.com/UMzicHkHsk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 9, 2026
It would have been hilarious if Herro had decided to fire his shot and did it too – sending the challenge to sudden death. But a smart man knows his limitations, and the Heat guard knew better than to try to make a Bulls mascot.
Bulls get a reprieve because of the weather
The Bulls were on the second night of back-to-back games, which is simply part of life in the NBA. Regardless, Chicago can at least push it to a later date, perhaps until after the team has a new look if they bring in new faces before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The The Bulls are also currently without Josh Giddythe team’s best player, while Kevin Huerter and Jalen Smith, due to back strain and concussions, were also slated to miss the contest against the Heat.
The NBA should soon announce when the Bulls will play their postponed contest against the Heat.
2026-01-09 07:18:00
