The Miami Heat is now deep into its Eastern Conference championship series with the Boston Celtics. On Tuesday, the team was hammered by the Celtics 105 to 85, which knotted the series at 2 wins each. Tonight they return home to play at 8:30 p.m.
If you are optimistic and want to think about the most positive outcome of the rest of the season, consider how the team dominated the NBA in the 2010s, winning back-to-back championships and creating some of the franchise’s most iconic and memorable moments.
In 2020, the Heat defeated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Championship. This took them straight to the finals, where they faced Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately, the team fell short, losing the series 4-2.
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look back at some milestones.
The Heat started off the 2010s with a bang. After seven seasons with the Raptors, Chris Bosh entered a sign-and-trade deal that prompted his move to Miami. Lebron James followed suit after spending his entire career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and decided to “take [his] talents to South Beach,” as he told a national audience, thus forming what the media called “The Big Three.” Once this decision was made final on July 8, 2010, hundreds of fans took to the streets to celebrate this new era.
Twenty-seven game winning streak during the 2012-2013 season
After winning their second NBA championship by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals, the team’s 2012-13 season brought many surprises. Starting on February 3, the Heat found themselves on a 27-game winning streak that lasted until March 27. It not only highlighted the team’s brilliant chemistry but also brought fans many moments of excitement. As of now, the streak remains the third-longest in NBA history.
Lebron dominates game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals
After making their way through the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, the Heat faced the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Prior to Game 6, the Celtics found themselves at a 3 to 2 advantage over the Heat. James single-handedly dominated the Celtics in Game Six and finished with 45-points, securing Game 7 for the Heat.
With 20 seconds left in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs were up by three points. The atmosphere of American Airlines Arena was filled with tension and anxiety as the Larry O’Brien trophy was seen on the sidelines. In one of the leagues’ most unforgettable moments, Heat center Chris Bosh grabbed a missed three from Lebron James and passed it out to guard Ray Allen. He then made a corner three-pointer to tie the game. Not only is this moment remembered for announcer Mike Breen’s trademark “BANG” call, but it secured overtime in which the Heat dominated, taking the series to Game 7.
Dwyane Wade’s return to the 305
In 2016, Dwyane Wade decided to leave Miami and join the Chicago Bulls. While this left Heat fans despondent and upset, the biggest surprise was awaiting them two years later. After a run with the Bulls and Cavaliers, midway through the 2017-2018 season, Wade made his way back to South Beach, where he played out the remainder of his career, ultimately retiring in 2019, giving Heat fans their happy ending.
