Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives against Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown (11) during the second quarter of Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Heat could make another shock run to the NBA Finals

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/6/24

The Miami Heat have won eight of their last 10 games. After a season of struggle, Erik Spoelstra's team is starting to show signs of being the team that shocked the world by charging to the NBA Finals last season.

Miami was the eighth seed but found a way to claw their way into a series against the Denver Nuggets.

With their current resurgence making people stop and take notice, JJ Redick believes it's too soon to count the Heat out of the playoff picture.

"They are very dangerous," Redick said on Wednesday's episode of ESPN's First Take. "Everybody is gonna talk about the Milwaukee Bucks and the run they've been on. The Boston Celtics and the run I've been on ... They've got balance, they've got depth. And most importantly, playoff Jimmy is coming. He has been incredible since the All-Star break."

.@jj_redick warns the Eastern Conference about the Heat

"They've got balance. They've got depth. And most importantly, 'Playoff Jimmy' is coming." pic.twitter.com/ga3mIUIWXW
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 6, 2024

Spoelstra is arguably the best coach in the NBA. Miami's roster is built around experienced playoff performers. The addition of Terry Rozier will provide the Heat with the tertiary scoring they've been missing. Miami has all the tools needed to be a serious threat in the postseason.

Nevertheless, embarking on a second Cinderella run in as many seasons is highly unlikely. Yes, the Heat are a proven commodity in the playoffs. Yet, to navigate a potential play-in tournament followed by three seven-game series against the best competition in your conference is far from easy. It's unfair to expect lightning to strike twice.

Fortunately for Miami, multiple teams in the Eastern Conference have shown signs of weakness this season. However, beating Boston won't be easy. They're a drastically improved team from the one Miami beat last season.

Still, the Heat are peaking at the right time and have the tools to be a force in the coming months.

After their postseason success last season, it would be foolish to write off Spoelstra's team, regardless of their early season struggles.

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