2011 NBA Playoffs: Miami Heat Fall to Sixers, Not the End of the World

In an inspired effort from a 21, 22 and 24-year-old, the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Miami Heat 86-82 at the Wells Fargo Center Sunday afternoon.

The series now shifts back to Miami, where the Heat will look to avenge the loss with a series clinching victory.

Will it be easy? No, Doug Collins has this 76ers squad playing with a lot confidence and the team has competed even in the losses thus far. But, I do think Miami has enough to close this one out at home and certainly expect them to do so.

The more important question is the effect this will have on the Heat's inevitable second round quarrel with the Boston Celtics. Well, the Geriatric Superstars a.k.a. Boston Celtics really won't benefit as much as one would think.

While we are still awaiting a winner in the Celtics vs. Knicks series, a 4-0 sweep wouldn't provide Boston much more outside of playing one less game than the Heat. The rest in days isn't as important, in my opinion, as other factors and considering the average age of each team provides no true edge.

Would the Heat have liked to sweep this opening round series? Of course. You'd be lying if said otherwise. But, the Heat faithful, as few as their are, shouldn't fret. This won't shorten the Miami's destination any. 

What will shorten their playoff journey is the lack of energy to begin games. The Heat have faced deficits of 12, eight and 12 heading into the second quarter, which is simply unacceptable. Miami will not have the luxury of relying on their shear talent to bounce back after these large meltdowns when facing a weathered group like the Boston Celtics.

So ignore Sportscenter's Highlight of the Night, which will undoubtedly involve LeBron James' inability to hit the game-winner and focus your attention to Wednesday night.

The Heat will hold serve and end up where they were bound to anyways...just a few days later.