USA Today via Reuters
Jan 9, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 9, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
After making a trip to the NBA Finals in 2020, the Miami Heat are struggling to find the same form this season. The defending Eastern Conference champions have won just six games so far and they hold the 13th seed in the East.
One of the major reasons behind their slow start is the numerous injury troubles they are facing in the first half of the season. But can the Miami Heat make a comeback in the second half of their 2021 campaign? Well, they could, but they will be facing fierce competition in the East this time.
Kendrick Perkins shares his thoughts on the Miami Heat
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 29, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Following the poor start by Miami, former NBA center and now ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins discussed the Heat’s situation on the latest episode of “The Jump.” Perkins said:
“The Heat are in trouble right now because the East is stronger. It’s no more of this weak Eastern conference, to me the East is just as equal as the Western Conference… To be six games under 500 right now at this point and not playing really good basketball, inspiring basketball and have to play catch-up in this strong Eastern Conference, it’s just not good right now.”
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Like Perkins mentioned, the East is much better than last year. Moreover, in the 2020 postseason, the Heat took everyone by surprise as no one expected them to be legitimate contenders.
But this season, the story is entirely different: not only are there stronger teams, opponents recognize the Heat as a worthy contender. As a result, teams are playing much harder against them in hopes of dethroning them as the Eastern Conference champions.
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Additionally, numerous injuries to their star players have further hindered Miami’s chance to repeat last year’s success. Moving ahead, what are your thoughts on the Miami Heat? Do you believe they can still save their season? Or is it already over for them? Feel free to share your views in the comments section below.
