8:11 AM
When LeBron James made the announcement that he was taking his talents to South Beach, it set off one of the biggest hate campaigns in recent sports memory. The Miami Heat were dubbed public enemy No. 1.
Before they even had a chance to play a game, the team endured constant criticism from the media, fans, current and even former NBA players.
Once the season began, things did not get off to a hot start and the Heat were a mediocre 12-8 after their first 20 games. They struggled to establish an identity or playing style to suit their talent.
The “Big Three” of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James managed to shake off the dismal start and led the Heat to a 58-win season. Miami would finish second in the Eastern Conference standings behind the Chicago Bulls.
In the playoffs, Miami defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls (all in five games) and advanced to the NBA Finals.
Despite holding a 2-1 series lead, Miami did not win another game in the finals and eventually lost the series 4-2. The backlash against the team began immediately and rumors of trades and coaching changes began to circulate. Heat president Pat Riley said all key players and coach, Erik Spoelstra would return for the 2011 season.
Here are five things the Heat can do to bring a title to South Beach.
Continue Reading on Bleacher.com >>
Posted in: 
0 comments:
Post a Comment