The Miami Heat had an inspirational playoff run but fell short of just two games in the NBA Finals. Miami finished as the 5th seed in the regular season, yet they were on a roll in the Playoffs.
They defeated the championship favorites, Bucks, in just five games and handled the Celtics in the ECF. However, in the NBA Finals, they couldn’t get over the Lakers. The Lakers won the series and clinched their 17th franchise title.
Dion Waiters was among the winners for the Lakers, who was previously cut by the Heat. After winning the title, Waiters had a message for his former team.
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“I am champ cheese. This is for Philly! They gonna hate and say ‘Oh, cheese ain’t play.’ Cheese a champ. Heat tried to bury me; suspensions and all. Look at me now.”
“They really tried to bury me, bro…I ain’t even do nothing.”
Dion Waiters on his time with the Heat this season. 👀
(h/t @gifdsports)pic.twitter.com/TzZaoXupDe
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 12, 2020
There is no hiding the fact that Waiters had a bitter relationship with the Heat during the final days. Waiters was suspended on three separate occasions by the Heat for a myriad of reasons. Although Dion didn’t play an eye-popping role for the Lakers in the championship run, he was crowned a champion nonetheless.
Waiters will become an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming free agency. But there is no official word on whether the Lakers plan to re-sign the 28-year-old guard or not.
Will the Miami Heat return to the NBA Finals?
USA Today via Reuters
The Miami Heat celebrate after beating the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Butler’s terrific effort in the 2020 NBA Finals will forever be remembered by NBA Fans. However, one might label this run by the Miami Heat as a one-time wonder. Jimmy had to give it his all to even make the series competitive.
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But if you believe Butler, this is just the beginning of things and he wants to deliver a championship to the city of Miami.
"Best believe we will be back." #HEATCulture
Start player Jimmy Butler posted on IG to thank Coach Erik Spoelstra and the whole Miami Heat community for their great #NBA2020 run.
This is Butler's first season with the Heat. #HEATTwitter #HEATNation https://t.co/px8xEJ129n pic.twitter.com/GfZA3AgOp1
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 12, 2020
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Butler averaged 22.2 points per game in the Playoffs, but he kicked things up a notch in the NBA Finals. He notched a series of triple-double performances and played 40+ minutes in every game.
All that the Miami based franchise need is for Butler to keep the intensity up and the Larry O’Brien Trophy will be home soon enough.
