The Miami Heat were devastated last season as their ultimate goal of winning multiple titles was postponed at least a year. Naturally, this was followed up by months and months of criticism, mostly centering around LeBron James and his inability to play a full game in the finals. Ironically, this very same idea is what will shut all his critics up come June. 

The NBA Season has been shortened this year to 66 games, as I'm sure anyone reading this article is aware. Because of this, the Heat will play at least 16 games less than they did last year (read: 16 less games for LeBron to be worn out). 16 games amounts to about 3-4 playoff series—as I'm sure any NBA player will tell you, that's a big difference. 

This advantage accompanied with the now infuriating desire to win a championship will lead LeBron and the Heat to a title, and James' first ring of many to come. Miami will dominate the competition all year, running on the fire that will ignite as they watch the Mavericks raise the banner on Christmas day.