NBA: Miami Heat is Fired Up
March 2, 2012 in Sports News
Last year the Miami Heat suffered an embarrassing meltdown in the NBA finals with a lack luster effort in the series versus the Dallas Mavericks. NBA phenom and new Miami acquisition, Lebron James stood out as being particularly ineffectual during the series. As in years past his stellar regular season play had helped take his team into the post-season only to have their hopes of a championship shattered again. James has been criticized in the past over his play-off antics and egomania, even going as far as to not shake hands with Orlando Magic players after losing a series to them. Lack of sportsmanship is just one of Lebron James many faults which has fans asking if he is a big game choker.
Through his individual achievements Lebron has earned many accolades from the league and his fan base. He has been voted an NBA All-Star 7 times, won rookie of the year and has been twice awarded league MVP. He helped team USA win Olympic gold in Beijing despite being called “Immature and downright disrespectful” by Coach Mike Krzyzewski. His post-season experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers should have prepared James for what was required to win in 2011 but again it seems that his toxic ego infected the team and the Heat collapsed.
After an extended offseason due to the NBA lockout the regular season finally got underway and the Miami Heat got out of the gate with a strong start. As of this writing they are contending for a playoff spot in a strong Southeast Division. Heat stalwart, Dwayne Wade, is out with a serious ankle injury and no timetable to return to the line-up. Although we are fairly certain that the Miami Heat has what it takes to get back to the playoffs this year that question is do they have what it takes to win it all? It is a question of character; all championship winning teams have had strong leaders.
The Heat has the talent to win the NBA championship and many expect them to, however, this is a team that beat itself last year, they are their own worst enemy. Unless the players can overcome their personal demons the Heat will continue to falter when it really counts.