The Miami Heat will play their final game of the 2010/11 NBA season against the Toronto Raptors, at the Air Canada Center. For both teams, the game has no real significance. The Raptors have been out of the playoff picture for quite some time, and the Heat have already clinched the second spot in the east. The Heat do have some motivation to win the game against the Raptors. With a win, the Heat will set a record for their most wins in a season, since the 2004/05 NBA season.
The Heat shouldn't have any problems getting past the Raptors. The Heat have dominated the Raptors all season, winning all of their previous encounters. Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra will probably rest Dwyane Wade and Mike Miller, who are currently banged up.
Given all the Heat had to deal with all season, their accomplishments in the 2010/11 NBA season have been nothing short of incredible. Many teams in the past have wasted years, trying to get their superstars on the same page. Oddly enough, the Heat started playing solid basketball, a few weeks into the 2010/11 NBA season.
To make matters worse for the Heat, LeBron James' departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers instantly made them the most hated team in the country. Fans all across the nation showed up at games, salivating at the opportunity to harass the Heat. Teams across the NBA didn't take it easy on the Heat either. Even the worst teams in the NBA always seemed to bring their best when it was time to go against Miami.
Yet, the Heat were able to outperform the Boston Celtics and clinch the second spot in the east. They swept their season series against the best team in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers. Even the San Antonio Spurs and their best record in the NBA weren't above getting bullied around by the Heat.
The Philadelphia Sixers will the first victims of the Heat come playoff time. The Heat will look to make a strong statement and end the series early. With the way their playing right now, that shouldn't be a problem.
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.
Sources:
Stats LLC," Heat-Raptors Preview "
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