Miami Heat: 3 reasons the season is over
After losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5, the Miami Heat’s 2017-18 season is officially over much earlier than they’d hoped.
The Miami Heat were officially eliminated from the 2018 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday night, as the Philadelphia 76ers‘ young roster proved too much to handle for the veteran Miami squad, winning Game 5 by a score of 104-93 to advance to their first second round appearance since 2012.
The Heat had a well-rounded effort in this series, as four players averaged double figures in the scoring column, led by Goran Dragic with 18.6 points per game. Three others scored over eight points a game as well.
The Sixers simply had too much star power on the roster, and it showed over the course of the five games.
Regardless of the number of games, this was a tough, physical first round matchup — one the Heat were competitive in despite what the final scores may suggest.
On numerous occasions, players from both sides have to be separated, showing a mutual dislike that almost always leads to great basketball theater.
Justin Anderson took a swing at Dwyane Wade as he grabbed his arm and threw him into the first row of cameramen. Shocked Anderson wasn't ejected, really reckless decision by Wade to yank his arm like that #TwitterNBAShow https://t.co/TrMQmMcVPu pic.twitter.com/yD33QKYvYn
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) April 19, 2018
Despite the competitiveness with which they played, the Heat now head into the offseason with questions surrounding Hassan Whiteside‘s future with the team, as well as the possible retirement of franchise legend Dwyane Wade.
The Miami Heat franchise holds itself to the highest of standards, which makes this defeat sting even more. Here are three reasons why their season ended much earlier than they’re accustomed to.