Get your popcorn and subscriptions updated, as the thriller is here to stay for some time. 8 teams, all on merit, out there to make a statement. And just recently, it was the East’s number one side that crushed the Heat’s hunt. As the Cavaliers delivered a strong Game 1 performance against the Heat, the narrative was set: the Cavaliers were in control. They held their nerve strong, came out victorious, with a 121-100 win. But wait! What if I told you that even in the shadow of that loss, there’s a growing sense of belief about the Heat? Reason: 3 Quarters, the game was still neck-to-neck. But Isiah Thomas’ optimism goes beyond.

That is exactly the kind of insight that was dropped during the latest Playoff Central episode on NBA on TNT. While the spotlight was shining bright on Cleveland’s dominant win, NBA legend and analyst Isiah Thomas offered a perspective that shifted the conversation. Rather than agreeing to the easy assumption, Thomas provided his take on the game. And it’s not just optimism, it’s a calculated belief that the Miami Heat isn’t going to give up and hand the series to the Cavs easily.

When asked by the host to share his thoughts on Cleveland’s performance, Thomas didn’t hold back on the praise. He made it very clear that this series is far from over. “Yes, Cleveland is definitely the favourite,” he said, “however, Miami has won two road games; they are playing good basketball right now. I think this goes 6 or 7, it won’t be a laydown. Miami is gonna get all that they want,” Thomas added. That last line made his point very crystal clear: Cleveland may have won the battle, but the Miami Heat is here for the war. Thomas is betting on the Heat’s courage and experience in the playoffs.

When you think about it, he’s not wrong. The Miami Heat has been a team that is not the flashiest off the court, yet is always moving and is always dangerous on the court. Their identity is built on toughness. When the pressure ramps up, they seem to find their steam. Game 1 didn’t go their way, sure! But that doesn’t mean the Heat will surrender their series. They might just be heating up. This brings us to the bigger picture: Miami’s 2024-2025 season that shaped the team’s attitude.

Miami Heat’s power-fueled run: A look at the 2024-2025 season

The Miami Heat’s regular season wasn’t exactly a headline-grabber, but it was a story of determination. They got all the hate for the Pat Riley and Bulte fiasco when the latter demanded an exit from the toxic relationship. Out of love, Riley wasn’t holding on either. But even after losing the star, Miami sneaked into the Play-ins; created history by entering the Playoffs as the 1oth seed team. Not to forget, Miami had its fair share of injuries and lineup struggles.

The Miami Heat’s 2024–25 regular season was a rollercoaster of grit and grind, finishing with a 37–45 record—their worst since 2018–19—but somehow still brimming with that signature Heat culture. Offensively, they struggled, ranking 24th in the league with just 110.6 points per game, and played at one of the slowest paces in the NBA. But luckily, Bam Adebayo and company started to find their rhythm at the right time. The Miami Heat has silently become one of the league’s better road teams. Those road wins that Thomas mentioned? They’re a product of this team’s never-say-no attitude and playoff experience. Miami has got a squad that nobody wants to face in a seven-game series.

Coach Erik Spoelstra deserves a salute, too. He’s been the steady hand steering this ship through rough waters all year long. From adjusting the roster to plotting late-game magic, Spoelstra’s fingerprints are all over this Miami Heat team. After just one loss, it’s a fool’s work to underestimate this Heat team.

Should Cleveland be worried? Maybe not in a panicking way, but they should be on alert. Because as Isiah Thomas made clear, this isn’t a team that’s going down quietly. If the Heat have their way, we’re going to see a full series before the winner is revealed. Game 1 was just the opening move; it’s not the end because the real show might still be coming.