The Cavs' overall record may not be all that impressive, but there's no doubt they were the East's hottest team coming down the stretch.Ĭleveland tore through the first three rounds of the playoffs, compiling a 12-2 record via sweeps of the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks.Īdvancing to the Finals was a great start, and one can only wonder what could have been if Irving and Love were available. Record: 53-29, Lost NBA Finals 4-2 to Golden State Warriors Despite resting James, Wade and Chalmers, Miami still took down the fully loaded Spurs on their home floor. Perhaps the Heat's best example of overall talent came in a March 31 game against the Spurs in San Antonio. After signing Andersen, Miami went 48-5 over their next 53 games, as he brought an energy and toughness off the bench. If not for Allen's clutch shot in Game 6 of the Finals, there would have been no second title for the Heat.īattier played a valuable role by taking tougher defensive assignments away from James, while Miller and Lewis spread the court and helped keep driving lanes open. However, even after winning a championship the previous season, Miami got insanely deep with the additions of Allen, Lewis and Andersen. Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem are fine role players but were clearly three steps below their star teammates. Key Role Players: SG Ray Allen, F Shane Battier, PG Mario Chalmers, F/C Udonis Haslem, PG Norris Cole, G/F Mike Miller, F/C Chris Andersen, F Rashard LewisĮven though the Big 3 all had excellent seasons, the rest of the starting unit was a bit suspect. Bosh's rebounding took a hit with the emergence of Chris "Birdman" Andersen, although an improving three-point shot helped space the floor for James. While Wade suited up in just 69 games, he was extremely efficient, shooting 52.1 percent from the field and posting a 24.0 PER. The main reasons James headed south in the first place, both Wade and Bosh were outstanding scorers, the likes of which he had never played with before.
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