It wasn’t that long ago that fans and critics were ready to drop all shares of the Miami Heat. A near .500 start, including an early three-game losing streak had everyone ridiculing the modern day "Big 3," wondering if Lebron, D-Wade and company would ever play like the championship team they were put together to be.
Heat Find Their Stride
But all that doubt seems to be far in the past, as the Miami Heat have put together a month and change of near flawless basketball, winning 14 of their last 15 games, including a 12-game winning streak. Dwyane Wade has rebounded from his early season slump, shooting 59% from the field during the winning streak, including a three-game stretch of 30 plus points. Lebron has kept his play consistent throughout, maintaining a 24 ppg average and being the foundation of what is now one of the league's top defensive teams. Chris Bosh has also picked up his play. After appearing unsure of where and how he could fit best help this team, Bosh has been steady on both ends of the floor, hitting spot up jumpers and picking up his rebounding numbers.
Christmas Day Victory Cements Turnaround
Maybe the most enlightening moment of the Miami Heat turn around was a 96-80 Christmas Day blowout victory over defending champions Los Angeles Lakers. It was the Heat's 9th straight road victory, which is a testament to the team's growth and togetherness, and their ability to handle adversity. Miami controlled the game throughout, frustrating Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol throughout, both of whom only managed 17 points each. Meanwhile, Miami's big 3 continued to impress, scoring a combined 71 points, including Lebron James' third triple double of the season. And although this is still relatively early in the season, the manner in which Miami handled the two-time champs on national TV, and it being their first meeting of the season, one would think it goes a long way in the psyche of the Heat, who hope to be multiple-time champions themselves.
