The Good, Bad and Miami Heat Culture: Dion Waiters to return soon?

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 22: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Justise Winslow #20 against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 22: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Justise Winslow #20 against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
1 of 3
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Justise Winslow #20 against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Justise Winslow #20 against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Good, Bad and Miami Heat Culture looks at the shift that the Heat have taken in the past two weeks, and how they can continue to move forward.

The Good

No pun intended, but things seem to be heating up for the Miami Heat. After five straight wins in the past week, including a 97-84 win against a good Milwaukee Bucks team, there appears to be a shift in the Heat’s in-game momentum.

Recently, they have been able to rally late in games, which has been something that the team has struggled with up to this point in the season. This is giving the team a chance to win some of those close games, like their 101-99 win over the Houston Rockets.

As was pointed out in a recent article from the Miami Herald after the win against the Bucks,

"Not only is the Heat averaging 56 rebounds a night during this win streak, Miami is also doubling up its opponents on the offensive glass, picking up 58 offensive rebounds compared to 29 offensive rebounds given up."

This is what Heat fans have been looking for this season — the consistent effort on both ends of the floor. Given that Goran Dragic will be out for a few months now, it is good to see that the Heat have found energy.

Plus, based on recent information from the team, it sounds like we could see a Dion Waiters return soon. As I talk about more in The Culture for this week, his return could be a significant and positive addition to where the team goes with the rest of the season.

Hitting the .500 mark after an 115-91 win against the Orlando Magic this team is still in the playoff run, despite what #HeatTwitter might have told you a month ago.