Miami Heat: 5 Best Games Of The Season
By David Ramil
This Miami Heat season has gone on like many a critically acclaimed television series. It started off well, went in all sorts of directions and by the time it mercifully ended you had no idea what the hell was going on.
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Isn’t that exactly what’s defined this season for Miami? In the wake of LeBron James‘ departure, they retooled with serviceable players that fit various roles — specifically to replace the multi-faceted James. Then, injuries changed their vision and led to the acquisition of a key future component — Hassan Whiteside — that allows the Heat to play a more traditional lineup.
Of course, injuries kept coming and the season changed so completely that you had no idea which version of the team you would see on a nightly basis. And, somehow, Miami was still in playoff contention (technically they still are at the time I write this) until just a week ago.
Last year’s regular season was marked by indifference — the pursuit of a championship was all that really mattered. This season could have easily been defined by despair, Miami’s precipitous fall leaving the team and its fans looking for answers.
Instead, there is hope.
There have been enough bright spots scattered intermittently throughout the year, games that brought the crowd to its feet at the AmericanAirlines Arena as excited as they ever were during the “Big 3” era. I’ll look at the top games of the year, big wins over familiar faces and contests that showed the grit and tenacity that has fans looking forward to a promising next season.
Next: Honorable Mentions