Streaking: Miami Heat Basketball

I was in the gym last night and I heard two guys debating about who they believed to be the best player in the NBA.  One guy made a compelling case for Lebron, while the other guy made a life time achievement argument for Kobe.  It was the kind of discussion that never leads to any reasonable conclusion because the Kobe fan refused to acknowledge obvious good points advanced by the Lebron fan.  I digress.

Whether you like the Heat or hate them, you have to admit that they have been on quite a streak of late.  Tonight, they won their 20th game in a row.  That is tied for the third best streak in the history on the NBA.  Some may say the streak does not matter; but, I would beg to differ.   Sure, the playoffs are where teams succeed or fall short.  But, the Heat really seem to be peaking at the right time.  The excitement and momentum they have flowing right now will help them when the playoffs start in April.  

During the 20 game streak, they have defeated many good teams.  They have won blowout games, close games, overtime games and any other type of game in between.  Lebron and Dwyane Wade have been playing excellent basketball.  We must also acknowledge the fact that the Heat's best players have been healthy.  Many people, including myself, had all but written D. Wade off as too old and a step slow.  I think it is clear that he is still an elite player when he is healthy.  This year, by in large, he has been healthy and he has put together an excellent season.  

During the streak, the Heat beat the Indiana Pacers.  The Pacers are likely the second best team in the Eastern Conference and will provide the toughest challenge to the Heat's playoff run in the Eastern Conference.  The Pacers have size in their front court with David West and Roy Hibbert that could help them win the rebound battle.  They also have two wings players that have enough athleticism to at least compete with LBJ and Wade.  That said, I think people really gave the Pacers too much credit last year in the playoffs.  Let's face it, Bosh was not playing and Spoelstra did not display his best coaching effort.  I think the Heat are a much better team and they will be able to impose their will on the Pacers in the event they meet in the playoffs.  I think Miami would win the series four games to one.

Peace