Miami Heat News
12-5-14: The Miami Heat have been hanging out in the middle of the standings in the first five weeks of the 2014/2015 campaign as the team has posted just a 8-7 record to start the new season. The Heat started this week by traveling to New York and Madison Square Garden to face off with the struggling New York Knicks. During the contest the Knicks welcomed Carmelo Anthony back to the court and he responded scoring 31 points to lead all scorers while snatching nine rebounds. Once again the Knicks supporting cast was absent for much of the contest as the only other New York player to score in double figures was Amar’e Stoudemire who finished with 19 points in a 86-79 loss to the Heat. Miami also welcomed back Dwyane Wade after battling an injury for the better part of two weeks and enjoyed his 27 point outburst in the victory. The Heat and Wade were back at it again on the road in Washington in their next contest taking on the Washington Wizards. During the contest the duo of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh carried much of the load offensively but had little help from their supporting cast in Miami. Mario Chalmers was the only other Heat player to score in double figures in the contest scoring 11 points while the Wizards out-shot Miami from the field and from beyond the arc. Washington was led by Rasual Butler’s 23 points as the Wizards went on to beat the Heat by the score of 107-86. The Heat finished their week off by heading back home to Miami to play host to the Atlanta Hawks while trying to end the week on a high note. During the contest each team rebounded the same amount of shots, turned the ball over the same amount of times and had just as many assists as one another in a very well played and comparable game between the two clubs. The team even had comparable free throw percentages and overall shooting percentages but the difference came from beyond the arc. The Hawks led by Jeff Teague and company knocked down twice as many three point shots as the Heat and Dwyane Wade as Atlanta went on to beat Miami by the score of 112-102. When the week was all said and done the team finished with an overall record of 9-9. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team pack their bags and head out on the road to face off with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets to finish their week.
11-28-14: The Miami Heat came out of the gates in the 2014/2015 season firing on all cylinders before losing Dwyane Wade to injury and losing a few games without him. After a month’s worth of games in the new campaign the Heat have posted a 6-6 record to start the season. The Heat started this week by traveling to Orlando to take on the Orlando Magic on the road. The Heat were still without Dwyane Wade in this contest but Chris Bosh more than picked up the scoring slack finishing with 32 points and 10 rebounds while Mario Chalmers added 24 points in a 99-92 victory for Miami. Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic did his part scoring 33 points and grabbing 17 rebounds but it was not enough in the loss for the Magic. In the Heat’s next contest the team traveled back home to host the Charlotte Hornets in Miami. This contest was decided on the free throw line and from beyond the arc as the Heat shot 90% from the charity stripe while knocking down 11 three point shots. The leading scorer for Miami was Loul Deng who had 26 points on the night while Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers each added 20 points. Charlotte only knocked down seven three point shots while managing 75% from the free throw line as the Hornets fell to the Heat by the score of 94-93. The Heat looked to keep their winning ways going in their final game of the week as the team traveled home to host the Golden State Warriors in Miami. In Hassan Whiteside’s debut with the Heat his teammates enjoyed 26 points and 9 rebounds from Chris Bosh as he led the Miami offensive attack. The Warriors were even better as the team watched Stephen Curry break a personal cold streak scoring 40 points as Golden State went on to win the contest by the score of 114-97. When the week was all said and done the team finished with an overall record of 8-7. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team travels to New York to take on the New York Knicks and then heads to Washington to take on the Washington Wizards before coming back home to host the Atlanta Hawks at home in Miami.
11-21-14: The Miami Heat entered the 2014/2015 season with expectations tempered a little after losing LeBron
James to free agency this summer. The team has responded without James by starting their campaign
with a 5-3 record this season. The Heat started this week by traveling to the Highlight Factory to take on
the Atlanta Hawks on the road. In the contest Atlanta shot an impressive 56% from the field while eight
different players scored in double digits for the Hawks. Meanwhile the Heat had just four players to
score in double digits including Chris Bosh in a game where Dwyane Wade did not play. The Hawks went
on to easily beat the Wade-less Heat by the score of 114-103. The Heat traveled back home for their
next contest to play host to the Milwaukee Bucks. In the game Milwaukee was led by 20 points from
Brandon Knight while five other Bucks players scored in double digits in the contest. Meanwhile the
Dwyane Wade-less Miami Heat were led by 18 points from Mario Chalmers but it was not enough as the
Bucks went on to beat the Heat by the score of 91-84. The Heat took that loss on the chin while looking
to improve before traveling to Brooklyn to take on the Brooklyn Nets in their next game. In the contest
the Nets had a cold night shooting from the field as the team shot just 41% from the field and scored no
more than 22 points in any of the four quarters. The Heat were still without Dwyane Wade in the
contest but Mario Chalmers picked up the slack in his absence scoring 22 points in a 95-83 victory for
Miami. Miami finished their week off back at home hosting the Los Angeles Clippers down in South
Beach. In the contest Chris Bosh tried to pick up the scoring slack for the Heat scoring 28 points but the
team could not overcome a rough first half shooting. The Heat managed just 15 points in the first
quarter and 40 points by halftime in a 110-93 loss to the Clippers. Los Angeles was led by 26 points each
from Blake Griffin and Chris Paul in the victory for the Clippers. When the week was all said and done
the team finished with an overall record of 6-6. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team travels
to Orlando to take on the Orlando Magic before returning back home to host the Charlotte Hornets and
the Golden State Warriors.
11-14-14: The Miami Heat had a decent start to their 2014/2015 campaign as the team posted a 3-2 record to start the new season The Heat started this week by hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in a home game in South Beach. In the contest the Heat were led by 25 points from Dwayne Wade and 24 points from Chris Bosh as the heat went on to beat the Wolves easily by the score of 102-92. In the game the Wolves scoring attack was led by Nikola Pekovic’s 19 points but it was not enough for Minnesota in the loss. The very next night the Heat were in Dallas taking on a hot Dallas Mavericks team on the road. In the contest Luol Deng led all scorers with 30 points for the Heat while Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade each had 20 points as the Heat went on to win their second straight game by the score of 105-96. In the contest Monta Ellis scored 23 points for the Mavericks but it was not enough in the loss for Dallas. Miami looked to rebound from the loss as the team finished their week by hosting the Indiana Pacers at home. In the contest the Pacers were led by 17 points from Chris Copeland and a double-double from Roy Hibbert in an 81-75 victory over the Heat. Miami countered with 20 points from Dwayne Wade but the only other Heat player to score in double digits was Shawne Williams in the loss. When the week was all said and done the team finished with an overall record of 5-3. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team travels to Atlanta to take on the Hawks in a road game before coming back home to host the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami will then set back out on the road to play the Brooklyn Nets before finishing their week at home when the team hosts the Los Angeles Clippers.
11-7-14: The Miami Heat started their 2014/2015 season off last week by hosting and beating the Washington
Wizards in their home opener to start the season with a perfect 1-0 record. With the 2014/2015 season
entering its first full week the Heat traveled to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on the road.
Philadelphia then opened their home schedule up against the Miami Heat and once again the Sixers
defense was a no show as Chris Bosh led all scorers with 30 points as the Heat went on to beat the
Sixers by the score of 114-96. The very next night Miami was back at home hosting the Toronto Raptors
who had yet to lose a game in the young season. When Toronto traveled to Miami to take on Dwayne
Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Heat they found themselves immediately in a shootout. Chris Bosh led the
Heat with 21 points and 11 rebounds while 30 points from DeRozan was not enough in a 107-102 loss
for the Raptors, their first of the season. Miami was back at home to host the Houston Rockets as well
this week looking to start a winning streak. Chris Bosh, Shawne Williams, and Dwayne Wade executed
their plans offensively for Miami but the team had no answer for Houston’s offensive attack. Dwight
Howard and James Harden combined for 51 points for Houston as the Rockets pushed their perfect
record to 5-0 with a 108-91 victory over the Heat. Miami finished their week off by traveling to Charlotte
to play the Hornets on the road. In the game Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade once again led the scoring
attack for the Heat and once again their scoring output was not enough. Charlotte’s Al Jefferson and
Kemba Walker led the Hornets to a victory by the score of 96-89. When the week was all said and done
the team finished with an overall record of 3-2. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team hosts a
pair of home games with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers with a tough road contest
against the Dallas Mavericks thrown in the middle.
10-31-14: The Miami Heat tipped off the 2014-2015 season by facing off with the Washington Wizards at home after posting a 4-4 record in the postseason. Miami looked to be reeling after losing LeBron James among others this summer as the team lost their first four games before rallying to win the final four. Long time Heat player Dwayne Wade considered leaving this summer to play for the Chicago Bulls before ultimately returning to his home and his team in Miami. Chris Bosh also came back to Miami this season after expressing a desire to play for a more open offense. Bosh should get more scoring opportunities and shots with LeBron back in Cleveland with the Cavaliers. Bosh, Wade, and the Heat kicked off the season by hosting the Washington Wizards at home hoping that their winning ways in the preseason would carry over into the regular season. Bosh led the Heat’s scoring attach with 26 points while Norris Cole chipped in 23 points and Wade contributed 21 points in a 107-95 Miami victory. Get your Heat tickets for next week as the team travels to take on the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets while also hosting the Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets.
10-29-14: Quite possibly the most distraught team in the NBA this season after losing LeBron to Cleveland, the Miami Heat will move forward on the aging legs of Dwyane Wade and will have to heavily rely on the increased leadership role of Chris Bosh. The team has experienced a relatively small drop in season average on the secondary market despite losing the best player on the planet, however. The average secondary market price for Heat tickets at home this season is $205.61, down 9.5% from last year’s average of $227.43. In typical fashion, the Heat will play their most expensive home game against the Cavaliers on Christmas Day, with an average price of $549.60 on the secondary market. That game will serve as the fourth most expensive game in the NBA this season.
10-24-14: The Miami Heat lost the most vital player in LeBron James to the Cavaliers in the offseason, but the other two pieces of the Big Three remain intact. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will look to propel the Heat back into the playoffs following a Finals loss to the Spurs. In addition to acquiring Luol Deng, rookie point guard Shabazz Napier has also had a terrific preseason for the team.
10-15-14: The Miami Heat have not gotten off to a great start this preseason losing their first four games they’ve played including two OT losses to the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers respectively. Miami is coming off a 109-103 loss to Atlanta in their last outing as they now get ready to play the Golden State Warriors this Friday at the Sprint Center. Three more preseason games will follow with meetings with San Antonio, Houston, and Memphis before opening their regular season at home against the Washington Wizards on Oct 29.
10-8-14: The Miami Heat started their preseason with consecutive losses to the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic respectively. Six preseason games remain on the Miami Heat preseason schedule with an October 11 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and October 14th meeting against the Atlanta Hawks, an October 17 game with the Golden State Warriors, and the remaining preseason games against the Spurs, Rockets, and Grizzlies. Miami after four straight trips to the NBA Finals, will have to look forward to life after Lebron James as the Heat will look to prove to the basketball world that they remain a contender for the NBA title.
9-22-14: The Miami Heat took a serious blow this offseason with the departure of LeBron James. They will almost certainly be a worse team this year though they did sign lots of good pieces. Now Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade will lead the team with Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts, and Danny Granger. This team most likely will not be conferance or even division champions again but still can make the playoffs as a lower seed. Don’t count this team to still surprise and upset some come the playoffs.
8-13-14: The Miami Heat has made four consecutive NBA Finals but was dominated by the Spurs in 5 games this past season. Coming into this offseason, they lost the best player in the world as Lebron James after 4 years with the team opted to return home to Cleveland. However, the organization was able to sign Chris Bosh to a max deal and Dwayne Wade also resigned with the team. Miami was also able to add solid weapons with the addition of Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger, and Shabazz Napier that could keep the Heat relevant in the Eastern Conference.
Miami Heat 2014 Draft Overview
Round 1, Pick 24, Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn (via trade with Charlotte Hornets)
6-13-14: Not many people expected to see the San Antonio Spurs blow out the Heat in Games 3 and 4 in Miami. For the first time since June 2012, LeBron James’s squad has lost consecutive playoff games. However, the NBA Finals are not over yet. The teams travel to San Antonio for Sunday’s Game 5. Although James scored only 28 points in Game 4, it was the most of any player that night, and he had a very strong third quarter. With Dwyane Wade struggling in Game 4, James will have to take the reins and dominate Game 5 in order for the Heat to get back in the series.
6-9-14: In the LeBron James era, Miami has been tremendous in games played after a loss. He has led the team to 12 consecutive wins after a loss in the playoffs, including Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. After missing both Game 4 and Game 5, Chris Andersen was active in the 117-92 series-clinching victory. He had a very strong plus/minus against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs. The Heat and Spurs make it the first NBA Finals rematch in back-to-back years since 1998. Unfortunately, the air conditioning went out in the AT&T Center midway through Game 1 of the Finals and LeBron had horrible cramps, leading to the Spurs’ 110-95 win.
6-2-14: Although Miami lost Game 5, the Heat took charge of the series with wins in Games 3 and 4. Behind a game-high 26 points from LeBron James and 23 points from Dwyane Wade, the Heat made a comeback to win by double digits. Although Chris Andersen sat out Monday’s Game 4, Rashard Lewis started and played well. In addition, Chris Bosh scored 25 points, his highest-scoring game of the 2014 playoffs. James once again led all players in scoring with 32 points in Game 4 as the Heat won, 102-90. After the Game 5 loss, Miami heads home to try to finish the series.
5-27-14: Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 27 points, but that performance was not enough as the Heat fell by 11 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With this loss, Miami trailed in a postseason series for the first time in 2014. LeBron James also chipped in 25 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1. James kept it going in Game 2 as he put up 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. The Heat went on a 10-0 run to grab the lead, and Wade had another strong fourth quarter. Miami won Game 2, 87-83.
5-19-14: Miami made it look easy in its five-game second-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. The games were close, but the Heat held the upper hand and continued to dominate the Nets in the playoffs. Although Brooklyn swept the Heat during the regular season, LeBron James took over during the postseason. He put up game-highs in points in each of the first four games of the series. James helped the Heat bounce back from a loss in Game 3 by scoring a game-high 49 points in Miami’s Game 4 victory. Then, the Heat closed out the series in Miami after Ray Allen made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 32 seconds remaining.
5-12-14: The rest sure helped Miami to begin its second-round series with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets were in a seven-game battle with the Toronto Raptors while the Heat swept the Charlotte Bobcats. LeBron James’s thigh contusion is almost fully healed, and he put up a game-high 22 points in both Game 1 and Game 2. With those points, James became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 4,000 points in the playoffs. Both of the contests between the Heat and Nets were double-digit Miami wins. In the second game, the Heat defense held Deron Williams scoreless for the first time in his postseason career.
5-5-14: Miami made it easy in the first round, as it was the only 2014 NBA team to win a series in the minimum number of games. After the Charlotte Bobcats fought hard in Games 1 and 2 at American Airlines Arena, the Heat won each of the final two contests of the series by double digits. If this first-round series had an MVP, it definitely was LeBron James, who was the game-high scorer in all four contests. In addition, he continued his streak of dominating performances at Time Warner Cable Arena with 30 points in Game 3 and 31 points in Game 4.
4-28-14: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra announced that Dwyane Wade would not be on a minutes restricted in the playoffs after playing just 54 games during the regular season. Through the first two contests of the Heat’s series with the Charlotte Bobcats, Wade is averaging 19 points in 34 minutes per game. In Game 1, Miami defeated the Bobcats by 11 points, and LeBron James moved past Larry Bird for eighth place on the NBA’s all-time postseason scoring list. Then in Game 2, James stepped up his scoring and led all players at the American Airlines Arena that night with 32 points. Chris Bosh also matched his career-high with four 3-pointers in Game 2.
4-21-14: Erik Spoelstra rested LeBron James and a few other players in the final two games of the regular season, but that came after a frustrating start to April. While Miami defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the Heat’s first game of the month, LeBron James and company did not fare so well afterwards. Although he led the team in scoring in each of the next six games, they dropped four of them. However, James is happy that his team landed in the second spot in the 2014 playoffs. Since he took his talents to South Beach four years ago, Miami is 15-0 against the Charlotte Bobcats.
4-16-14: Miami Heat playoff tickets average $227 on the secondary market, which is 3rd in the eastern conference, and 4th overall. The regular season average was $233, meaning there is a 2% decrease from the regular season. The Heat are currently in the 2nd seed in the East and are set to face the 7th seeded Bobcats.
4-7-14: Even with Dwyane Wade sitting out the entire week, Miami is rounding into form as the season is coming to a close. LeBron James’ team won all four of its games this past week. On Friday, James made up for Wade’s absence by recording a triple-double as the Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons, 110-78. Miami swept the back-to-back set by beating the Milwaukee Bucks, 88-67. Then, on Monday, the Heat moved percentage points ahead of the Indiana Pacers with the win over the Toronto Raptors. LeBron James scored a game-high 32 points that night. The Heat made it a perfect week with another win over the Bucks.
4-1-14: Miami has experienced some struggles this March. With two more losses this past week, LeBron James’ team is now 5-8 in its last 13 games as it continues to alternate wins and losses. On Friday, the Heat defeated the Memphis Grizzlies by five points, but lost on the second night of the back-to-back. Anthony Davis dominated that contest as the New Orleans Pelicans won by double digits. Then on Monday, James scored a game-high 32 points and made a go-ahead layup with 11.4 seconds remaining to lift the Heat past the Portland Trail Blazers, 93-91. However, James’ game-high 38 points were not enough on Wednesday as the Heat fell by one point at Indiana.
3-24-14: This could be the beginning of the Heat’s resting period before the playoffs begin. Miami has struggled recently and its chances of overtaking the Indiana Pacers for first place in the Eastern Conference are low. On Friday, Ray Allen put up 22 points, but the Heat lost to the Denver Nuggets by four points. After losing five of its last six games, Miami has played better recently. Dwyane Wade, who is on pace for arguably the best shooting season as a starting guard, sat out on Tuesday, but LeBron James scored a game-high 43 points in the Heat’s 100-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. James then sat out on Wednesday at Boston and the Heat lost, 101-96.
3-17-14: The Heat continued to lose more games this past week. Miami faced three opponents from the Eastern Conference and put up a 1-2 record. On Sunday, LeBron James did not attempt a free throw in a game for the first time in years. The Heat had a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit, but the Bulls came back to win in overtime, 95-88. Then, Miami bounced back the following night to beat the Washington Wizards by nine points. With that win, Miami snapped its three-game losing streak. However, the Heat could not make it two wins in a row. Miami dropped Wednesday’s contest to the Brooklyn Nets and moved to 0-3 this season when facing Jason Kidd’s squad.
3-10-14: Miami continued its hot scoring stretch this past week. On Saturday, Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 24 points in the Heat’s 112-98 victory. Then, on Monday, the Heat hosted the Charlotte Bobcats, and it was LeBron James’ night at the American Airlines Arena. Wade rested that evening, and he witnessed James put up a career-high and franchise-record 61 points. Miami took its NBA-best active winning streak into Houston on Tuesday to complete the back-to-back set. Although the Heat fell that night, LeBron was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month the next day. Unfortunately, the losing streak continued as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Heat, 111-87, on Thursday.
3-3-14: Despite having to switch from his “Batman-esque” face mask to the NBA standard clear one, LeBron James recorded a near triple double in three quarters as the Miami Heat beat their in state rivals Orlando Magic 112-98 on Saturday. Dwayne Wade added 24, and Greg Oden had his best game as a member of the Heat with 8 points and 4 boards in 13 minutes.
3-2-14: Erik Spoelstra’s team is on fire. Miami heads into March with a six-game winning streak, the team’s longest in 2014. With the Heat’s success recently, the Indiana Pacers can no longer cruise to the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. Miami returned home from a quick road trip to play the team’s first home games since the All-Star break. Without LeBron James, Chris Bosh scored a game-high 28 points to bring the Heat the 93-79 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Then on Thursday, the masked LeBron James returned to lead all scorers with 31 points at the American Airlines Arena in the 26-point win against the New York Knicks.
2-28-14: Miami Heat superstar Lebron James caused a stir over the twitter sphere with the debut of his protective face mask in last night's dominating victory of the Knicks. The all black gear has earned him comparisons to Batman. Lebron had 31 points in 36 minutes as the Heat cruised past the Knicks 108-82.
2-27-14: Lebron James is set to return to action tonight as his Miami Heat host the New York Knicks. Lebron will wear a protective face mask after breaking his nose on a dunk against the Thunder's Serge Ibaka. Recent 10-day contract signee DeAndre Liggins will be available for tonight's game as well.
2-26-14: After sending out Roger Mason Jr during the trade deadline, the Heat have signed former Oklahoma City Thunder guard Deandre Liggins to a 10 day contract. Liggins averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.54 steals per game while with the Heat's D-League affiliate the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Liggins will be available for Thursday's game vs New York.
2-25-14: Kids of the 90's had their hearts broken last week when LeBron James shot down rumors that production had started on “Space Jam 2”. The original released in 1996 featured Michael Jordan teaming up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Bill Murray to take on a team of “Monstars” in an intergalactic basketball game.
2-24-14: It was a busy All-Star weekend for the Heat. On Saturday, Chris Bosh was fantastic with his half-court shots as he led Team Bosh to the victory in the Shooting Stars Competition. Then, the following night, Bosh came off the bench for the Eastern Conference All-Star team. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade started and combined for 32 points, 10 assists and five steals. James made it a successful week, as he helped Miami through a quick road trip. In a 117-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron put up a game-high 42 points. Although he broke his nose near the end of the contest on Thursday, the Heat’s big three scored as many points as the entire Oklahoma City Thunder roster in Miami’s 22-point victory.
2-18-14: Although Miami has had a road-heavy schedule in February; the team is making a strong push to be the top dog in the Eastern Conference. At the All-Star break, the Indiana Pacers lead the Heat by just 2.5 games. That margin could have been closer if Miami did not have a hiccup on Saturday at Utah. The Heat had a couple days off when traveling from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, but could not defeat the pesky Jazz. However, Erik Spoelstra’s squad bounced back to defeat the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Wednesday was a special night because LeBron James made a game-winning fadeaway 3-pointer to take down the Warriors.
2-10-14: The Heat bounced back from Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder by being perfect this past week. Miami scored more than 100 points in each of its three contests, as Erik Spoelstra’s squad beat the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers. On Saturday, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade continued their strong play, which led to a 15-point Heat victory at Madison Square Garden. Then on Monday, Wade put up his first 30-point, 10-rebound game in the regular season in almost three years as the Heat defeated the Pistons, 102-96. Miami made it three straight wins with a 116-112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on Wednesday.
2-4-14: The Heat had a light week, as the team played just two contests to complete its four-game homestand. On Sunday, Dwyane Wade returned from a four-game absence to come off the bench for the first time since 2008. Erik Spoelstra limited his veteran’s minutes that afternoon, but LeBron James and Chris Bosh stepped up to bring Miami the double-digit victory. James scored 18 points and grabbed a game-high seven rebounds. Bosh led all scorers with 24 points as he shot 9-of-10 from the field. Then on Wednesday, Wade was inserted back into the starting lineup, and he had an efficient shooting night on his way to 15 points. James’ game-high 34 points were not enough as the Heat lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 17 points.
1-27-14: Miami bounced back from its three-game losing streak to win four of its five games played in this busy week. The Heat traveled from Washington to Philadelphia and defeated the 76ers by 15 points. LeBron led the way that night as he registered a near triple-double. Chris Bosh also blocked five shots, which is now the most for him in a Heat jersey. Dwyane Wade then took a seat for the next four contests, but Miami was able to get by in the meantime. The Bobcats forced overtime against the Heat, but Miami continued its dominance against Charlotte. Although the Heat fell in Atlanta on Monday, Miami returned home to defeat the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
1-20-14: After losing to the Golden State Warriors to begin 2014, the Heat won three consecutive games. However, Miami then lost three contests in a row to teams below .500 for the first time since LeBron James and Chris Bosh took their talents to South Beach. The middle contest of the three-game losing streak was the NBA’s first nickname jersey game. Dwyane Wade missed that contest, as the Heat coaching staff continues to wisely rest him occasionally. On Wednesday, Greg Oden participated in his first regular-season game in over 1,500 days. In addition, the Heat might be in play for Andrew Bynum after clearing cap room with the trade of Joel Anthony.
1-7-14: It was a below average week for a Heat team that has encountered quite a few injuries lately. Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen and Chris Andersen sat out Friday’s game at Sacramento, and the Kings defeated the Heat in spite of a game-high 33 points from LeBron James. However, James hurt his groin and ankle in that contest and then sat out Saturday in Portland. Wade and Allen both played, but it was Chris Bosh who led all scorers with 37 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining. That strong performance helped Bosh get Player of the Week honors. LeBron then returned to play on his birthday on Monday at Denver and guided the Heat to a three-point win. Andersen then came back from a three-game absence, but it was LeBron who looked rusty in Thursday’s home loss to the Golden State Warriors.
12-30-13: The Heat finished the week with a 3-0 record as well as with quite a few highlights in the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Christmas Day. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh scored a game-high 23 points, and Bosh chipped in 11 rebounds as well. This was after Wade sat out Monday’s game in Miami. There were six different Heat players with double-digit scoring performances in the 121-119 overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks. In addition, Miami had five players with more than 15 points in the 122-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
12-22-13: The Heat hosted three games this past week and won all of them. By far the most important was Miami’s revenge on the Indiana Pacers, which included coming back from a 15-point deficit. In addition, Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 32 points in the victory. He contributed quite a few buckets close to the hoop, helping the team put up 50 points in the paint that night, which were the most scored in the key against the Pacers this season. Before the Heat defeated the Pacers, the Miami basketball team also took down the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz.
12-13-13: After losing just two games in all of November, LeBron James and the Heat have already lost three contests in December. The third loss came against the NBA’s best team, the Indiana Pacers. However, Miami still beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons on consecutive days by a combined 36 points. Erik Spoelstra is still waiting for Greg Oden to get healthy, so he can provide the Heat with some size. Miami’s 16-6 record is still very respectable and puts the team in position to have a home-court advantage over every team in the Eastern Conference, except for the Pacers.
12-6-13: The two-time defending NBA champions look primed for another Finals run. The Heat stringed together 10 consecutive victories, but then lost to the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. It is odd to see Miami drop two games in a row, especially with both losses being by double digits. However, there is nothing to worry about this early in the season. Dwyane Wade missed both of those contests with knee soreness and an illness. The most important thing in the regular season is health for this Heat team. Miami will most likely be a top-two seed in the Eastern Conference at season’s end.
11-28-13: The Heat continues to roll, having now won eight straight games. Their last four games have all come against inferior competition with Miami beating up on Orlando twice as well as Phoenix and Cleveland. None of their superstars are playing significant minutes and Dwyane Wade is back close to full health. At 12-3 the Heat are second in the Eastern Conference, sitting two games back from the Indiana Pacers in the win column.
11-22-13: This LeBron guy is just unfair. In the last two games for the Heat, both without Dwyane Wade, Miami’s starters sat the entire 4th quarters of their blowout wins. The Heat has won five straight and eight of nine, to sit at 9-3 so far on the season. They have won their last three games by a combined 60 points. The ball movement, defense and ability to “turn it on” has the Heat cruising through the regular season, and most importantly allowing them to limit the minutes of their stars.
11-15-13: It’s mostly just been the usual for the Heat, as LeBron James continues to lead the team in points and assists and they keep winning, holding a decent 5-3 mark in week three. It’s not the usual dominance you see from the two-time defending champs, but one loss can be explained by a random Jeff Green buzzer beater in a one-point loss to the Boston Celtics.
11-8-13: The Miami Heat haven’t exactly looked like reigning NBA champs through the first two weeks of the 2013 NBA season, but they haven’t been slouches, either. With a solid 4-2 record, the Heat have solid wins over the Bulls and Clippers, while their two losses have come against the stacked Nets and a surprisingly tough 76ers squad. It’s not the fast start Heat fans were expecting, but that’s okay, as everyone knows the Heat are built for the playoffs, not for chasing win records during the regular season.
11-1-13: LeBron James and the Miami Heat enter the 2013-14 season on a mission: they are in search of the NBA’s first three-peat in more than a decade. The team’s roster will mostly remain the same as last season’s one, but the organization did add Greg Oden, who has struggled to stay healthy over the course of his professional career. During the preseason, he did throw down a vicious dunk in his long-awaited return to the court. However, the center’s contributions should only be considered a bonus for the two-time defending champions. With Dwyane Wade already hobbled, Chris Bosh, who had a strong preseason, will have to step up as LeBron’s running mate.
10-18-13: Two time defending NBA Champions and have aspirations to three-peat as for the first time since Michael Jordan did it with the Bulls in the 1990s. Lebron James, D-Wade and company begin their quest begins in the 2013 preseason where they stand at 3-2. In the Heats last game Lebron had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in only 28 minutes on the floor. The Heat are without a doubt still the team to beat in the NBA and will make a deep playoff run once again this season.
10-17-13: Center Greg Oden missed practice on Wednesday due to swelling in his left knee. He had participated in his first five-on-five workout on Monday but apparently that was too much for the injury prone center. It now appears that he will not be able to participate in a preseason game and the Heat have not established a timetable for Oden's return.
8-23-13: The back-to-back NBA Champion Miami Heat will cement their status as a dynasty if they can continue their dominance and achieve a 3-peat. The Heat will bring back the same core from last season’s title team with the exception of Mike Miller, who was waived via the amnesty exception. The Heat took a chance on former number one overall pick, Greg Oden, who will provide much needed depth at the pivot for Miami.
The path through the East becomes much more difficult this season with the return of Derrick Rose. The Bulls will visit Miami on Tuesday, October 29th to open the NBA season. Chicago will make a second appearance in South Beach on Sunday, February 23rd. The Indiana Pacers make their return trip to Miami following last season’s epic Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, December 18th. Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City will visit on Wednesday, January 29th.
Key Home Games:
- October 29th – Chicago Bulls
- November 7th – L.A. Clippers
- January 26th – San Antonio Spurs
- February 27th – New York Knicks
- March 22nd – Brooklyn Nets
8-2-13: Greg Oden has signed a two-year deal with the Heat. The second season of the deal will be a player option.
7-15-13: The Miami Heat have decided to amnesty forward Mike Miller.
Heat 2013 Draft Summary:
Round 2, Pick 20: F James Ennis (from Hawks).
6-24-13: The Miami Heat can now call themselves two-time NBA champs. After edging the Spurs in what became an epic 7-game series, LeBron James has earned his second ring along with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade will wear his third. At 66-16 the Heat finish with the best record in the NBA and that panned out to be an important achievement considering they were forced to play 2 games sevens, both of which were in Miami. With rumors continuing to swirl around the future of Chris Bosh, the Heat will be limited in terms of acquiring any new talent due to their $85M payroll. Don’t rule out the possibility of veteran guard Chauncey Billups joining the Heat, as he has hinted that he has interest in playing for the club. It will be interesting to see what happens with Chris “Birdman” Andersen who played for league minimum last year but certain proved he is worth more.
2-25-13: As winners of eleven in a row, The Miami Heat are back to playing playing the defending champions they are. Handling the likes of the NBA’s elite such as the Clippers, Thunder, Bulls and even the Lakers has proven that the Heat are strong and capable of contending again. After a slow start to the season out of the gate the Heat have compiled a 24-3 record at home and are undefeated since the all-star break. Lebron James is on an unbelievable tear and is almost a lock for another MVP trophy to add to his collection. Averaging 27 points 8 rebounds and 7 assists, LeBron is a triple double threat on a nightly basis. Dwyane Wade seems to be falling into his secondary role very nicely as he has been more efficient and effective as of late averaging 21 points and almost 5 rebounds and assists a piece. This weekend the Heat will have interesting matchups against the Memphis Grizzles and the New York Knicks.
11-26-12 : With two close calls last week at home, the Miami Heat are one of three teams in the league with 10 wins as the season approaches December. Benefitting from a relatively spaced out schedule, the Heat have a tough task ahead with a game against then San Antonio Spurs followed by a road trip to Brooklyn to face the Nets. Showing no signs of slowing down offensively, the defending champs are allowing an uncharacteristic 100.4 points per contest, ranking them 25th in the league. As the team settles in with it’s new players, one can expect that number to drop drastically as the season progresses.
