The Miami Heat are tied 2-2 against the Toronto Raptors and, with this series proving to be a tough matchup so far, the team has seemingly lost its way.
Ed. Note: This was written before the Heat evened the series at 2-2 Monday night.
For the first time this postseason, I am nervous to watch the Miami Heat play.
Obviously, no prior game was easy. Nor was the outcome, win or lose, clear from the start. The Charlotte Hornets were solid competitors. While it was known that taking on the Toronto Raptors would be a challenge, too.
Heck, the team went into Game 3 coming off of a loss.
But tonight, something is different. They have to bounce back from more than just defeat once again. They have to reclaim their identities. Build themselves back up into the group that plays Miami Heat Basketball. Prove that they are worthy of their name.
And because of that, my usual excitement has been replaced with anxiety.
So, to ease my discomfort, I have decided to pen an open letter.
Dear Miami Heat,
It is currently 4:50 PM CT, and in a little over two hours, you will once again take the court. Fortunately, you get another chance at success at the AmericanAirlines Arena, a place oh-so-sacred to Heat Nation. Above, you will see those beautiful championship banners hanging from the rafters, all around, a sea of supporters in white t-shirts, and before you…the enemy.
You may have previously lost two battles, but the war is far from over. As long as you remember who you are, and what you stand for.
Sure, your commander (as in, head coach Erik Spoelstra) may have made a few errors on Saturday afternoon. He overlooked a prominent member of your troop (you know him as Justise Winslow, but he also goes by Rook 1), due to poor offensive performance, which not only worked to further expose your defensive flaws but also could have shaken his confidence, long-term. He then casted aside an even more important soldier (Goran “The Dragon” Dragic), during a crucial period of time, for reasons unknown. But your trust in him should not waiver. He has only the best intentions for you. And has shown his worth time and time again.
You may also be without a fellow comrade (the fallen Hassan Whiteside) for a while, an unfortunate victim of injury. But never fear, his presence will still be with you. His energy, his drive, his charisma: they may not accompany you on the court this evening, but they will continue to lift you up from afar.
What you have to remember is, what Miami Heat Basketball is all about.
First, you must be confident.
So erase once-poor performances. Forget about the likes of GI Joe (Johnson) going 0-of-10 from beyond-the-arc so far this series. Or one of your top veterans (Luol Deng), finishing with only 4 points and 2 rebounds last time. Your struggles have to become a thing of the past, in order to have a successful future. And that starts with mentally letting it all go. Because Johnson also shot 4-of-5 in three-pointers in Game 4 of the first round. While Deng had 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists against the Hornets in Game 6.
You must also be fearless.
Take it from your leader (Dwyane Wade), who prior to the playoffs had not shot a three-point basket since December. Now, Wade is 8-for-11 so far during this postseason, providing you with yet another type of ammunition to use in your favor.
And please do not forget to be smart. Your basketball IQ sits at Einstein-level knowledge, so act accordingly. There is no more room for dumb fouls, sloppy turnovers and forced shots. Constraint must be shown, ball-handling must be a priority and plays must be drawn up and followed.
And last but certainly not least: do not get distracted.
I know it hurts to see one of your own (yes, Chris Bosh) left behind. And you may not always get everything right (though that does not mean do not respect your opposition). But eyes on the prize. After all, your old chum (LeBron James himself) is waiting to meet you in the Eastern Conference Finals.
So go out there, and be great.
Yours forever,
Allana