The term redemption has its roots in religion, referring to the forgiveness or absolution of past sins. While the Heat aren’t in danger of losing their immortal souls for their loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Season Opener last night, most Miami fans would say they committed a sin by allowing themselves to be embarrassed the way they did.

I’d say Miami’s 97-87 manhandling of the Sixers tonight served as redemption of the sin of that loss, and serves as a reminder that this South Beach Superteam might just be warming up.

Yet, that embarrassing loss led to numerous amounts of criticism, some well-deserved, from bloggers, analysts, pundits, and various media personalities, and gave pause to the hype that had surrounded the “Three Kings” ever since LeBron James announced his “Decision” to “take [his] talents to South Beach.” (more…)