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The Miami Heat (37-31) are in the Play-In as the No.8 seed in the Eastern Conference, a familiar feeling for a Heat team that has been down this road before.
The Miami Heat made a surprise run to the NBA Finals last season, losing to the Denver Nuggets, coming from the Play-In to put themselves in.
The Heat got hot at the right time during their impressive Cinderella run last season. They took care of business in the Play-In, then defeated a resilient New York Knicks team, knocked out the No.1 seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first-round, and then took the Boston Celtics down in the Eastern Conference Finals; punching their ticket to the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets.
With just weeks remaining in the NBA season, it's about that time for the Miami Heat to go on a run and attempt to replicate the magic that took them to the NBA Finals last year.
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The Miami Heat of 2024
It's been an up-and-down year for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions.
Miami has faced some injuries this season with stars like Tyler Herro (Foot and Heel) and Jimmy Butler (Foot) missing some time.
Role players like Nikola Jovic and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. have been able to step up for the Heat.
Duncan Robinson has found his shot again and emerged as one of the league's premiere shooters.
All-Star big man Bam Adebayo has been a big part in keeping Miami's season alive, averaging 19.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
The Heat managed to flip the switch later in the season, winning some games despite injuries to core players; their latest win being against the Detroit Pistons.
Their plan, of course, is to make their way out of the dreaded Play-In; if they do plan on going on another deep Playoff run.
Miami Heat Jimmy Butler Turns to Playoff Jimmy
Someway somehow, Miami Heat All-Star guard Jimmy Butler continues to carry this team to victories.
Butler did it throughout the playoffs, putting the Heat on his back with big-time scoring performances. He has had some of those moments this season, when healthy, proving he is still one of the best in the league.
Per Bleacher Report, the six time All-Star dubbed himself as Playoff Jimmy in an interview and Jimmy Butler has proven to be exactly that.
In the NBA Playoffs last season, Butler posted an astounding 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
The question is can the 33 year old do it again? The East is significantly tougher with the Knicks and Cavaliers having taken a leap, and teams like the Magic and Pacers are playing much better basketball than last season.
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