Miami Heat: Why the team’s Game 2 victory wasn’t a fluke

The Miami Heat’s Game 2 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, won’t be their last.

The Miami Heat tied their first round series with the Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 on Monday night, and yet, still no one trusts they’ll make it out alive.

While logic may suggest that the No. 3 team has a better chance of progressing, it’s not so simple. Especially when dealing with the Eastern Conference. The Heat may be labeled a sixth seed, but their potential is far greater than that.

Sure, their Game 2 win may not have come easy. And yes, Joel Embiid was still sidelined. But to call their victory a fluke, is pushing it.

For starters, the defense that guys like Justise Winslow and James Johnson exhibited, is what’s always been at the very core of Miami Heat Basketball. So while it may not have appeared in Game 1, spectators should absolutely count on a strong defensive mindset from Miami, moving forward.

That means seeing much more pressure on Ben Simmons (who was held to shooting just 3-of-8 during the first half), and limiting good looks from beyond-the-arc (the 76ers shot only 19.4 percent from downtown on the night).

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Similarly, Dwyane Wade‘s impressive performance has been called into question. Wade, who scored 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting in 25 minutes, played an enormous role in the Heat’s 113-103 defeat. But at 36-years-old, many are doubting his ability to keep putting up those kinds of numbers.

And here, the doubters may have a point.

But if the guard can turn back the clock every game or not, isn’t what matters. Because whether it’s leading the team in scoring, hitting a clutch shot in crunch time, or simply being there as a mentor… what Wade brings to the table will absolutely play a crucial role in Miami’s success.

There are other reasons why the Heat should be feared too.

Remember the constant narrative of Miami having no so-called superstar (pre-Wade’s return, anyways)? Well, that has led them to thrive at team ball. Which means you never know who may get hot on any given night.

In Game 1 it was Kelly Olynyk, who finished with 26 points in 31 minutes, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. Then, Wade took over. So who’s next?

It could be James Johnson, who so far this postseason has already shown why he’s a co-captain this year. Scoring 13 and 18 points respectively, in Games 1 and 2, he’s slowly starting to find his groove on offense again. Or maybe it’ll be Goran Dragic, the team’s rock, who is currently averaging 17.5 points in the playoffs.

Makes it a little harder for the opposition to plan a defensive strategy.

Then there’s the fact that the series is headed back to South Florida, a place where the Heat have a 26-15 record on the season.

Next: Miami Heat: Should Kelly Olynyk be starting in the playoffs?

Are the next few games guaranteed wins for the Miami Heat? No. But it’s hardly time to count them out, either.