Glaring truth about true Heat superpower just revealed itself in dominant fashion

The Miami Heat have lived to see another day. Their convincing 109-90 play-in victory over the Chicago Bulls has moved them forward to face the Atlanta Hawks Friday with the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot up for grabs. 

When fans think of recent Miami postseason success, many will immediately think of Jimmy Butler. And there’s a fair reason why that’s the case, considering Butler has carried underwhelming Heat rosters from lower seeds to multiple NBA Finals runs— with legendary scoring performances along the way. 

However, it always takes more than just the efforts of one guy. Coach Erik Spoelstra is the one who has truly laid the blueprint, yet won’t get nearly as much recognition that he deserves. 

Spoelstra has always seemed to get the best out of his rosters during his Hall of Fame caliber coaching career.

Whether it was a team headlined by a LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh trio or an underdog lineup featuring rising undrafted talent, Spoelstra is the one who has always been the true catalyst behind it all.

Now, he has a developed All-Star version of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and a two-way talent in Andrew Wiggins to work with. And when they are all healthy and on the same page, this squad still has the necessary depth and elite coaching capable of making noise in the playoffs.

When asked postgame about Herro’s incredible 38-point performance on 13 of 19 shooting, Spoelstra was not shy in applauding the masterful effort from his talented guard — while also providing more motivation to his growth.

"Offensively, he was there pretty much at every level. He wants to prove he can be a two-way player.” Spoelstra said. “I love that about him."

But it takes more than just having the big names for a team to elevate itself when the lights are the brightest. 

It stems from the preparation and mentality. Spoelstra has always emphasized over the years that the Heat “have enough.” His belief in his squad through all the inconsistency has only motivated his rosters throughout the years. 

The notion that Miami should always be considered a postseason threat goes deeper than the once proclaimed “Playoff Jimmy.” This team is always capable. No matter if Butler is on the roster or not, the culture has always remained the same. 

Spoelstra has injected a foundation of heart, hustle and grit. It could’ve been easy for the Heat to give up on their season that was filled with Butler drama and tough losses. Instead, his leadership as a top tier coach has once again brought the belief that this team should never be counted out.

Miami came into their 9/10 play-in matchup against the Bulls listed as a 1.5-point underdog. The betting odds have never stopped Spoelstra’s squad from shocking the world before, and it was no different during Wednesday’s blowout.

Despite all the ups and downs another Heat season has brought to the fanbase, the focus now shifts to the Atlanta Hawks with a playoff berth on the line. 

Win-or-go-home. What a time to be alive.