7 moments in recent NBA history in need of a documentary

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs puts pressure on Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

4 of 9

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

6. The 2010-11 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat became a spectacle and a daily talking point among NBA circles upon pairing Dwyane Wade with LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Everyone wanted to watch the greatness put on display. They also were vehemently rooting for its failure.

Even with the abilities of three of the game’s top players, the Heat were by no means a well-oiled championship favorite. Their point guard and center spots were inconsistently filled with a trio of rotating players each.

A disappointing 9-8 start fueled the fire critics needed little gasoline to ignite. As did a combined 1-6 record against the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, two Eastern Conference contenders Miami was likely to go through.

Related Story. Was Dwyane Wade robbed of MVP in 2008-09?. light

Only in his third year as a head coach, Erik Spoelstra’s acumen was questioned with the Godfather Pat Riley so close by. Trades of all magnitude were thrown around. The challenge of balancing two superstars led to many crunch-time struggles, the damage of which brought some players to tears.

This isn’t even about one of the more shocking upsets in NBA Finals history — although the journey to that collapse certainly played a part.

Miami’s Big 3 was one the NBA hadn’t seem up to the point. Never before had talents the caliber of James, Wade and Bosh willingly and simultaneously linked up under one roof. Then came the hype parade, where James boastfully predicted multiple championships on the way.

They were the league’s first supervillains. Good or bad, watching them operate under that spotlight was never tiresome.