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Miami Heat’s mid-season transformation by the numbers

By Simon Smith

Jan 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) reacts after guard Wayne Ellington (not pictured) made a three point basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) reacts after guard Wayne Ellington (not pictured) made a three point basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Keeping The Momentum

With 31 games remaining and a playoff spot beckoning, the remainder of the Heat’s season has suddenly become enthralling. At 21-30, the Heat have a genuine chance to bring themselves up to the 500 mark as a team. Considering the amount of change in the roster and the injuries they’ve had to overcome, this’ll be no mean feat.

In pushing for a playoff spot, it’ll be imperative that the Heat cash in their upcoming games. Their next five games are against teams below the 500 mark. Following the all-star break though, things start to pick up a bit. Seven of their first 10 games after the break are against teams with a winning record, including back-to-back games against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Furthermore, 17 of the final 31 games will be on the road.

For the time being, trade rumours have been put to the as the Heat continue their best form of the season in the surge toward playoff contention. But with team president Pat Riley’s rich history of pulling off blockbuster deals, anything is possible.

The February 23 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Heat have a number of key personnel out of contracts this coming summer.

Whether or not Riley wishes to play this one out and let the team continue to flourish is anyone’s guess. But he can be content in the knowledge that the Heat’s culture of excellence and commitment to winning has again come to the forefront following a disastrous first half of the season.

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