The reigning NBA Champions Miami Heat were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday. They were swept four games to none, being just the sixth team in NBA history to win a championship and be eliminated by a sweep the following season. The first team to be eliminated in such fashion in over a decade.

Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich said that his team was mentally prepared for this battle before it started. “We felt confident coming into this series, we felt like we could win.”

There is no hiding from the truth that the Heat were outmatched in this series. Even Miami head coach Pat O’Reilly admits the Bulls were the better team in this series. “We ran into more than a formidable opponent, they are a great team. ... They deserved to win. There’s no doubt in my mind. They can go a long way.”

This was a stunning series. The Miami Heat seemed to have the better team coming into this series, however the Chicago Bulls had the drive in this series. Luol Deng broke out, averaging 27.7 points per game. Ben Wallace did what he did best in this series, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, besting his opponent Shaquille O’Neal in that category as Shaq averaged 9 rebounds per game. Ben Wallace also led his team in steals and blocks.

Also today in NBA playoff action the Phoenix Sun defeated the Los Angeles Lakers bringing the series up to 3-1. Steve Nash had 23 assists in the victory.