The Stretch 4: Miami Heat culture and uncharacteristic play

It’s time for another edition of The Stretch 4, where it’s time to examine how things are looking lately for the Miami Heat.

Five games.

That’s all that remains in the Miami Heat’s 2016-17 regular season run.

And my, how far they’ve come.

From 11-30 in January to 37-40 as of Sunday evening, the team’s turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. From the minute the Heat fell one game short of the Eastern Conference Finals last year, up until Sunday’s loss, the organization has had to continuously overcome a handful of obstacles. And the fun isn’t over just yet.

Because Miami still has to officially clinch a playoff spot.

Currently eighth in the East, they have to endure upcoming matchups against the likes of the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards. Nevermind that their placement also depends on other ball clubs such as the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers.

But the good news is, the Heat had a handful of decent moments last week to look back on.

Having started things off on a high note versus the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, Miami came out victorious, 97-96. The Heat also grabbed an 105-88 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, despite then falling short 98-94 against them on Friday evening. Which brings us to their 116-113 Sunday afternoon loss versus the Denver Nuggets.

So what can be celebrated out of all this? And what should Heat Nation leave in the past?

The Stretch 4 is here to tell you just that.

First thing’s first: Hassan Whiteside’s buzzer-beater.

13 stitches? In his dominant hand to boot? Not a problem for Whiteside.

When the Great Wall sliced his hand open on the backboard on March 22 in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns, fans were on pins and needles. Another injury? Right as the team was amidst their playoff push? What would happen now?

Whiteside would continue to beast on both ends of the court, of course.

Sure, having his right hand wrapped up wouldn’t be ideal. It would be harder to grab rebounds. It would change up the stroke of his shot. It would be an adjustment.

But that wouldn’t stop the 27-year-old from competing.

And on Tuesday, it would actually lead to Whiteside tipping in the game-winner.

Finishing the night with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block, the center gave Miami everything he had. Including not giving up on the team’s last possession.

What. A. Play.

Even his own squad couldn’t believe their eyes.

https://twitter.com/HoopsTribune/status/847199090186338305

Whiteside has certainly been a stud all season, with his impressive performances over the last week being no exception.

Averaging a well-rounded 15.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over the past four games, the big man is on a mission.

Playoffs, here we come.

Fingers crossed that is.

James Johnson’s dunk over Marcus Morris was also a thing of beauty.

I’m just going to let this do the talking…

A major component of its magic, being the bench’s reaction to what had just occurred.

I mean, Wayne Ellington is holding onto Willie Reed like the tiniest of tots. Tyler Johnson looks like he’s simultaneously going to weep and vomit. Luke Babbitt is licking his lips for crying out loud.

Johnson finished the contest with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, putting on a serious show.

The Heat may have only come out on top by one basket, but it was seemingly one of the most satisfying wins of the season.

Let’s talk about the overarching theme of Miami Heat culture too, shall we?

Miami has been the talk of the town lately, and for good reason.

Between Goran Dragic finally being recognized for the elite point guard that he is, the population of [Dion] Waiters Island increasing immensely, and head coach Erik Spoelstra being considered by many as an obvious Coach of the Year candidate… the culture found in South Beach has become apparent.

From president Pat Riley and the rest of management, to the coaching staff, to the roster itself, it is clear that everyone is whole-heartedly buying into the concept of Miami Heat Basketball.

Johnson’s recent weight loss journey being a great example of this.

These guys #trusttheculture.

Do you?

However, this week also housed two uncharacteristic losses.

Even the best of teams have to face defeat. And with Miami taking on some tough competitors during their final stretch of the season, it’s only normal to fall short here and there. However, the Heat have struggled with their defense over the last two games, something that is quite unusual for this squad.

Take Friday night’s loss to the Knicks, for example.

Not only did it stop raining three’s for the Miami Mafia, but defensively it was a hot mess. And after New York took an early lead, it was impossible to play catchup thereafter.

"“We were on our heels pretty much from that first timeout the rest of the way,” Spoelstra explained after his team was down 15-4. “It was the pockets of mental mistakes that would lead to easy baskets, deflating baskets.”"

The same goes for the Heat falling to the Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.

Nikola Jokic was unstoppable, totaling 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting, as well as 10 rebounds. And Emmanuel Mudiay looked good himself with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists. Forget about the fact that Danillo Gallinari continued to prove himself a valuable asset, recording 29 points on 11-of-19, going 3-for-7 from three.

Miami was unable to put a hole in Denver’s offense, while their own shots were simply… off.

"“Our guys are laying it all out there, but we just haven’t been able to get the job done these last couple games,” said Spoelstra. “Now, we just have to be able to quiet all the noise.”"

Next: Two Oregon stars could be perfect fits for the Miami Heat

It’s now or never, folks.