The Miami Heat's Success Since 2006 Shows Last Season's Finals Run Wasn't A Mirage
Some call the Miami Heat's Finals run last season a fluke.
But looking at their postseason success over the past 17 years, it was more in line with the franchise norm than most realize. Since 2006, no team has more playoff victories (125) and Finals appearances (7) than Miami. They rank right above the multi-champion teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
These achievements have been the organization's standard from the Big Three of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Jimmy Butler's improbable performances.
NBA champion Andre Iguodala, who played in Miami during their 2020 Finals run, praised president Pat Riley and the team culture for their success.
"Pat got it on lock," Iguodala said on a recent episode of the Gilbert Arenas Show. "Pat is like, 'I'm in the business of winning.'"
But as some have pointed out, the Heat haven't won the title since 2013. In the three Finals appearances since, they were outmatched by their superior opponents. Butler's Finals runs have largely been individual performances with little assistance.
Should they acquire Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, it is very possible the Heat can clinch their fourth championship.
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Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on TikTok @jaydenarmant.
