Miami Heat: Did Game Against Cleveland Cavaliers Get Them on Track?
Just a few weeks ago the Miami Heat were considered a disappointment.
People around the NBA were calling for Erik Spoelstra's head.
LeBron James was reportedly frustrated with his young head coach. Meanwhile Dwyane Wade failed to defend Spoelstra despite their close relationship.
Well, now all that is over.
A six game winning streak will make people forget.
The Heat are finally playing like they were expected to, and played what was their most complete game against the Utah Jazz, a team that beat them at home, on Wednesday night since thrashing the Magic early in the season.
So what inspired the change?
Team Meeting
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After a loss in Dallas, the Heat called a players only meeting.
What was said we will never know.
But since then, the Heat have won six games in a row.
My guess?
The players said let's forget playing for Spoelstra, let's play for each other.
Since that meeting the chemistry on the Heat has been incredible, and they have out rebounded six teams in a row.
Udonis Haslem
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Many times when a key player gets injured, people expect a team to suffer.
But often times something else happens.
Injuries can bring a team together; they can make everyone increase their effort.
This is seemingly what has happened in Haslem's absence.
Haslem was one of the Heat's best rebounders, yet in his absence the Heat have actually done better in the rebound department.
Ironically, in the middle of their six game streak, Dwyane Wade has been the Heat's leading rebounder in three games.
Defense
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Another key stat in the Heat's six game winning streak is that they have not allowed over 100 points in any of those games.
The signing of Erick Dampier has given the Heat their first real big man of the year, and it has made a significant difference in the paint.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are typically great defenders, and the effort has been maxed in their latest performances.
Add the fact that Chris Bosh is finally coming into his own on both ends of the court, and you'll realize teams are going to find it increasingly difficult to score against the Heat.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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Did you watch the Cleveland game?
It was easily the Heat's most inspire performance of the year. Obviously brought on from a crazy summer full of hate aimed at LeBron James.
James played out of his mind that day.
He dropped 38. Wade added 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.
In my opinion, this was the Heat's true coming out party. Everything went right, and they were absolutely dominant.
This game gave them the inspiration that they need every night. Since then, they have been rolling.
What this game made the Heat realize is that when they give 100 percent, they can dominate the majority of the NBA's team.
However, it seems like the Heat made the incorrect assumption early in the year that they could put on cruise control and until the playoffs and still win a ton of games.
Against the Cavs, James and Wade combined for 60. On Wednesday against the Jazz they went for 61.
The Heat are as good as people thought they were. Take notice.
