Miami Heat: Reason for optimism after dismantling by Philadelphia 76ers
The Miami Heat came into Saturday’s game with what seemed like a point to prove. What would wind up happening was the complete opposite of that.
The Miami Heat entered Saturday’s game off a wire to wire win against the Chicago Bulls in their home place, the United Center. Although that is by no means an excuse, as the Philadelphia 76ers would be on the second night of a back to back set as well but although at home as opposed to both the Heat’s being on the road, the Miami Heat would end up being dismantled at the hands of Philadelphia on Saturday.
The game was actually never that close, as Philadelphia started out hot and never cooled off enough to let the Heat back in the game. They opened the game on a 28-8 run and never looked back. The 76ers won the game with the score being 113-86.
On top of the sheer embarrassment of losing to a rival, conference foe, and fellow contender like the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat allowed a former player and homegrown Culture success story to shine on them. Former Miami Heat swingman and fan-favorite Josh Richardson, whom it pained me to ever experience him being traded, put up 32 points, a rebound, and four assists, on 11 of 15 from the floor and 6/7 from three-point range.
The first question one might ask is where was this when he was a member of the Miami Heat. The second question you might ask is that he really didn’t appreciate being traded, huh? Either way, Josuélito(see his twitter account) had a great game and on this initial, one, and only occasion, we will be happy for him.
In all of that, there is still reason to have supreme optimism if you’re a fan of the Miami Heat. While this game didn’t go our way, this team is still a very good one that has a record of 11-4. In losing to the 76ers at this point and in the fashion that they did, the Miami Heat should be extra motivated whenever they face them in the future, which is only multiplied by the budding rivalry between the two teams.
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While we would have loved a victory here, a defeat isn’t the worst thing. It may be the very thing or motivation that the Miami Heat need to get the job done in future matchups, be that the regular or postseason. The Miami Heat are right back at it on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. We look forward to them getting back on track in a home matchup against a very beatable opponent.