Who Needs Lebron?- A Miami Heat Timeline

2011-2012 NBA Season
The shortened season began with a loss to the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, losing 100-86, due to Ray Allen hitting 7 3 pointers in the second half to run away with the victory. The team would win their next 3 games to close out the month of December. Defeating the Mavericks, Bobcats, and the Timberwolves by a margin of 18 points. Dwyane Wade would again start the idea of him winning the MVP award, averaging 30 points per game. Their 3 point shooting would drastically improve from the year before, shooting 52% in the span of the 4 games, thanks in large part to Mike Miller and Shane Battier. The team would own the 1st seed in the East, as the Chicago Bulls would sit at 2-2 in the month.

January was no push over for the team. Going 11-6 during the span of 17 games, and sitting in at 14-7, good enough for the 2nd seed, sitting in half a game behind the Chicago Bulls. The team still looked good on offense, even improving their 3 point percentage to 57%. The problem was their defense that allowed nearly 101 points per game to their opponents. No matter how good an offense is that would cause teams to lose games. Shooting Guard Dwyane Wade would continue his offensive barrage, averaging 29 points per game, leading the NBA in scoring at the time. The end of the month saw the team struggle, losing the last 4 games during the month, losing two of the games vs. the Knicks and the Bulls by 20 plus points. Once again, Coach Erik Spoelstra would call his team out, which many thought it wouldn’t sit well with the players.

Feburary would once again belong to the Miami Heat. In the span of 13 games, they would lose only one game, to the Washington Wizards on February 10th. Their overall record would be 26-8, still half a game behind the Bulls for home court advantage throughout the Eastern Playoffs. The rest of the games, the team seemed like a highlight reel. Averaging 102 points per game, as their shooting from behind the arc continued to improve up to 59%, as they would be the most efficient offensive team in the league. Dwyane Wade would cool down some, but still lead the league in scoring with 27.4 points per game, as Thunder Small Forward would be second with 25.9 points per game. The last game before the All Star Break, hosting the New York Knicks the team would win a shootout, 129-122 in 2OT, as Dwyane Wade scored 49 points himself. The All Star break would end the month, as the Heat would have Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh named to the team, as Point Guard Russell Westbrook wouldn’t be invited back due to nagging injuries all season plaguing his game. Shane Battier would be invited to the 3 Point Shooting Contest, beating Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Love in the final.

The team would cool down after the All Star Break, cooling down in the entirety of the month of March, barely finishing above .500, at 9-7 during the span of 16 games, which would place them at 35-15, as the Bulls began to run away with the 1st Seed, as they led the Heat with a game and half. The first 4 games of the month they would lose, as their defense would start to show cracks again, allowing Lakers’ Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant and New Jersey Nets’ Point Guard Jeremy Lin scored 35+ points each in their match ups. However, Dwyane Wade would still continue to hold the scoring title of the league, averaging 27.2 points per game, as many started to talk about him possibly getting the MVP Award.

April would continue to show the mediocre side of the Heat, as they would finish .500 in the span of 16 during the last month of the Regular Season, as they would finish at 43-23 for the shortened season, good enough for the 2nd Seed in the East. They would however get key victories over the Chicago Bulls on April 12th and April 19th, as Dwyane Wade would outscore Lebron James in both games. The team would also get revenge on Jeremy Lin and the New Jersey Nets, nearly ending the so called ‘Linsanity’ during one game, causing him to turnover the ball 10 times, and only hold him to 6 points. The team would have a first round matchup with interstate rival Orlando Magic.

East Standings:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. Boston Celtics
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. Indiana Pacers
6. New York Knicks
7. Orlando Magic
8. Philadelphia 76ers

West Standings:
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Utah Jazz

Game 1 vs. Orlando Magic
“The home team will easily get the win here tonight. The Miami Heat take the 1-0 series lead, in large part to the scoring of Chris Bosh, who finishes with 38 points, which led the Heat to get the 110-99 victory.”

Game 2 vs. Orlando Magic
“The Magic with the 94-88 lead here with roughly 2 minutes remaining. The Heat using their second to last timeout after the Nelson 3 pointer. They inbounded to Wade, who takes it up the floor, guarded by Redick. He gives it over to Westbrook, who tries Nelson’s defense but nothing there, gives it back to Wade, who begins to drive, kicks it out to Bosh in the corner. Bang, that’s a good 3 pointer! Now 94-91 with 1:42 remaining.”

“Howard driving to the rim, and he’s fouled by Andersen, as that is his 6th foul of the night, so he will be hitting the bench early here. Battier will come in for him, as Bosh will now move to Center.”

“Howard’s first free throw, is a miss. Still 94-91 here, 1:19 left. Howard needs to hit this to make it a 2 possession game. He lines up, another miss! Rebound Bosh, he gives it over to Wade who starts to drive down the court, he kicks it over to Westbrook, who lobs it back to Wade, the slam and a foul! A chance for a 3 point play.”

“Wade’s free throw to tie the game is...good! 94-94 now. 1:09 left in the game. The Magic inbound to Nelson who’s guarded by Westbrook. He’ll take it in isolation, wearing down the clock. He gives it to Anderson, who then gives it to Howard who’ll try to lay it up, blocked by Bosh! Rebound Battier, who gives it over to Westbrook, who’ll take it down the floor, and now it’s his turn to wear down the clock. 39 seconds to go. He gives it to Wade, who begins to drive, tight defense, he’ll give it to George, who begins to drive, step back, that’s good! The jumper with 18 seconds to go, put the Heat up 96-94 as the Magic take a timeout.”

Game 3 at. Orlando Magic
“The Heat will take the daunting 3-0 series lead here in Orlando. Winning 99-89, thanks in large part to the terrible offense the Magic showed in the 4th Quarter here. The Heat outscoring them 20-9 to get the 10 point victory, as the Heat will try for the sweep here in Orlando.”

Game 4 at. Orlando Magic
“Westbrook down the lane, out to George, who tries a 3 pointer. That’s good! 44-30 now for the Heat.”

“Wade drives, stops gives it back to Westbrook behind him, pulls up. Another 3 pointer for Miami! 52-30 now, as they have blown the lead wide open here in the 2nd Quarter.”

“Unless the Magic pull out a miracle or an answered prayer, the Heat are in good position to sweep them here tonight. The halftime score reads 55-32, as the Heat used their 3 point shooting in the 2nd Quarter to take the 23 point lead.”

“The Miami Heat will be going onto the Second Round, sweeping the Magic in 4 games, getting the 105-80 victory here tonight, they await the winner of the Boston Celtics or New York Knicks series.”

The Heat had little trouble with interstate rival the Orlando Magic, as they closed them out in 4 games. The New York Knicks would upset the favored Boston Celtics in 7 games, thanks to the play of Carmelo Anthony and Steph Curry. This would set up a Second Round Matchup between the two teams.

Game 1 vs. New York Knicks
“The Heat will take the series 1-0 lead, as they will blowout the Knicks 99-79, thanks in large part to their defensive effort here tonight. 9 Blocks, 5 by Chris Bosh alone, and 10 steals played a factor in shutting down the Knicks’ offense here tonight.”

Game 2 vs. New York Knicks
“The Heat holding onto a 93-90 lead here. Leading 93-78 at one point, it looked like another Heat blowout victory, but the Knicks came roaring back. A 12-0 run to make it a one possession game. 29 seconds to go. The Knicks used their last timeout, and they will inbound it to Curry. Guarded by Westbrook, he’ll take it down the court, and pull up for a 3. No good! Rebound Bosh, he gives it to Wade, who tries to avoid being fouled, but Smith will tie him up with 20 seconds to go.”

“The Heat will take the 2-0 series lead going back to New York. Avoiding the collapse thanks to the free throw shooting of Dwyane Wade, they get the 96-90 victory.”

Game 3 at. New York Knicks
“Anthony lines up for 3. That’s good! Cutting into the Heat lead 29-22 now.”

“Smith drives, back out to Curry, for 3. That’s good! They now have the lead for the first time tonight. 32-29. A 13-0 run, as the Heat will call a timeout here.”

“Curry drives, the lay-up no good! Rebound Jordan, he kicks it back out to Smith, another 3 pointer for the Knicks! 70-59 now!

“Curry down the lane, back out to Anthony. Another 3 pointer! 79-59, a 20 point lead, and the Heat will call another timeout as the Knicks have been on fire behind the arc tonight.”

“The Knicks will make the series 2-1 now, as they get the 100-80 victory here tonight. Destroying the Miami Heat from behind the arc, shooting 18-30 as the Heat had no answer for it, and we will await Game 4 here in New York.”

Game 4 at. New York Knicks
“The Knicks need a basket here. Down 100-98, they have a chance to tie the game to send it to overtime or win the game with a 3 pointer. They inbound to Curry, 18 seconds to go. Wade hitting 2 free throws, after Smith fouled him on the drive. Curry down the floor, guarded by Livingston. Westbrook still in the locker room after going down with that foot injury. Curry in isolation, he pulls up to the arc, for 3! That’s no good! Rebound Anthony, he kicks it back out to Smith, for the win! He nails the 3 pointer! The Knicks win 101-100! The Game Winning 3 by Smith! They tie the series 2-2 going back to Miami!”

Game 5 vs. New York Knicks
“The Heat take the 3-2 series lead. After their pour showing in New York, they seemed like a different team here at home. Blowing the Knicks out 118-97, thanks to Dwyane Wade who scored 39 points, as Paul George put up 29 points to go along with it. The series will shift back to New York, as the Heat have a chance to close them out in 6.”

Game 6 at. New York Knicks
“It seems like Deja Vu here tonight. The Knicks trailing 90-88 here. 20 seconds to go, they have a chance to either win the game or send it to overtime. The Heat need a stop to close out the series and move onto a second straight Eastern Conference Final. They inbound it to Curry. Guarded by Westbrook. He takes it down the floor, in isolation to wear down the clock, he gives it over to Anthony, who has 35 here tonight. He’ll begin to drive, kicks it back out to Smith, the hero of game 4, he’ll fake the drive, step back 3. Wade gets a piece of it! And Bosh dives for the loose ball, and kicks it up the floor to Westbrook, who slams home the series dagger! 92-88 with 5 seconds to go!”

The Heat would avoid the scare by the New York Knicks and move onto the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were met by the Chicago Bulls in a rematch from last year. However, the Bulls scraped by their first two opponents, defeating the 76ers and Pacers in 7 games each. The Bulls had injury problems leading up to the Conference Finals. Derrick Rose went down with a torn ACL, Luol Deng went down with a Broken Wrist, and Greg Oden still had knee problems.

Game 1 at. Chicago Bulls
“The Heat will take Game 1, thanks to the scoring of Dwyane Wade and Russell Westbrook, combining for 70 of their 102 points, as they pick up the 102-83 victory over the Bulls. Lebron James only held to 18 points, as the Heat take the 1-0 series lead.”

Game 2 at. Chicago Bulls
“The Bulls need anything here. The Heat on a 18-2 run, to take the lead 105-102. They Inbound to Chalmers, who kicks it over to James. Guarded by Wade, he starts to drive, tight defense, he puts up a lay-up. That’s no good, Noah rebound, he kicks it out to Chalmers, for 3! No good! Another rebound Noah, gives it back to James, on the elbow, blocked by Wade! Cole gets the ball, and gives it out to George, who slams home the dunk. 107-102, 1:08 left.”

“Wade’s second free throw is good. 109-102 now, as the Bulls can only watch the clock wear down. 10 seconds to go, the Heat will take the 2-0 series lead going back home to Miami. They are in good position to return to the NBA Finals.”

Game 3 vs. Chicago Bulls
“The Bulls take Game 3. Lebron James making sure his team wouldn’t go down 3-0. Scoring 47 points himself, he seemed to put the team on his back and the Bulls will now cut into the Heat’s series lead 2-1, as we come back to Miami.”

Game 4 vs. Chicago Bulls
“Wade down the lane, the tear drop. That’s good. His first points of the night here coming late in the 1st Half. The Bulls still leading 42-33.”

“Westbrook down the lane, tight defense by Chalmers, he kicks it out to George, who gives it back to Wade, who drives and the slam! 42-40, Wade scoring the Heat’s last 9 points himself, 20 seconds to go. Inbound to Chalmers, he’s stripped by Wade! Who scores the lay-up and is fouled by Chalmers! 42-42, make that the last 11 points scored by Wade!”

“The fast break by the Heat, Westbrook lobs to Wade, slams it home! 29 points for Dwyane Wade who was held pointless for the first 22 minutes of the first half is now on fire here tonight. The Heat are up 62-51, as the Bulls take a timeout.”

“Chalmers pushing it down the floor, guarded by Cole who came in for Westbrook. He’ll try to pass, blocked by Cole! They both dive for the ball, Cole comes up with it, out to Wade, eurosteps around James, the lay-up and the foul! 38 points here tonight, as the Heat have blown their lead open to 75-55.”

“The Heat take a 3-1 series lead thanks in large part to Dwyane Wade’s skills. Scoring 44 points as he was ice cold in the first half, he exploded before halftime and the second half he nearly put the Bulls away himself. The Heat need only one more game to go to the NBA Finals.”

Game 5 at. Chicago Bulls
“James down the lane, the lay-up. Bulls have exploded to start the game 22-4 lead, James already with 10 himself, as the Heat take their first timeout of the night.”

“James in the corner, that’s a good 3 pointer! 33 for him here tonight. 78-50 lead for the Bulls. Lebron doing it all himself again here tonight.”

“Chalmers’ 3 will miss, but James gets the rebound and slams it back in! 88-60 now for the Bulls. 45 points here tonight, as the Bulls have exploded here tonight.”

“The Bulls survive to fight another day. Winning 108-77, in large part to Lebron James’ 51 points, as the Heat could only watch as he did what he wanted here tonight. They will go back to Miami down 3-2.”

Game 6 vs. Chicago Bulls
“George on the elbow, that’s good! The Heat’s first 3 pointer comes a minute before the half, cutting into the Bulls’ lead 45-34.”

“The shot before the half by Cole, that’s good! Another 3 pointer for Miami, as they now are only down 45-40, 3 3 pointers in the last minute of the half to face only a 5 point deficit, as the Bulls were leading by 14 at one point.”

“Livingston to Miller. Another 3 pointer for Miami! They now have the lead for the first time here tonight. 66-64.”

“Westbrook’s shot misses, rebound Wade who kicks it to Miller in the corner. Another 3 pointer! And the Heat have blown their lead wide open. 80-67. A 17-3 run here by the Heat, their 3 point shooting leading the way. Inbound to Chalmers, stripped by Wade! He lays it up! 82-67 now! And the Bulls call a timeout!”

“For the first time since 2006, the Miami Heat will be going to the NBA Finals. They await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder or Memphis Grizzlies series. Closing the Bulls out in 6 games, with a blowout victory of 109-83, they win the Eastern Conference!”

The Chicago Bulls couldn’t overcome their injury plagued roster, and fell to the Miami Heat. The team’s first trip to the Finals since 2006, their second in franchise history, they were met with the winners of the Western Conference of Oklahoma City Thunder, who closed the Memphis Grizzlies out in 7 games.

Game 1 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
“Durant on the elbow. That’s good. 10-8 here early in Miami.”

“Durant down the lane, slams it in! The Thunder lead 22-13 now, as the Heat take a timeout.”

“Durant in the corner. That’s good! Kevin Durant on fire here tonight! 20 first half points, as the Thunder now lead 39-19.”

“Durant pulls up behind the arc, bang! 68-45 Thunder lead, as Durant is showing no signs of slowing up here tonight.”

“The Thunder will take Game 1 and with it the 1-0 series lead, as Kevin Durant finishes with 39 points, and the Thunder cruise to the 108-86 victory.”

Game 2 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
“Coach Erik Spoelstra making a lineup change here tonight. Chris Bosh in at Center, as Shane Battier will start at Power Forward. The team needed to do something after the embarrassment of Game 1.”

“Durant the elbow, blocked by Battier! Cole gets the ball, gives it out to George, who lobs it to Wade, who slams it home! The Heat with their first lead of the series 25-24.”

“Durant down the lane, the lay-up, no good! Rebound Bosh, Durant ice cold here tonight, 2-9 from the floor, Battier shutting him down.”

“The Heat will take the 54-39 halftime lead, as hot as Kevin Durant was in Game 1, he is just as cold here tonight. 2-11 from the floor, only 6 points. Shane Battier doing his best effort to keep him from picking the team apart as he did in Game 1.”

“The Heat will tie the series back up 1-1, going back to Oklahoma. Winning 89-70 tonight, thanks to their defense, especially on Kevin Durant. He finishes 5-20, with only 14 points.”

Game 3 at. Oklahoma City Thunder
“The Thunder need something here. They were leading by 18 points as the 4th Quarter started. Now the Heat have the 1 point lead, 96-95. 23 seconds left, there will be no shot clock. Inbound to Fisher, who quickly gives it over to Durant. Battier on him. His defense stopping him from repeating anything close to his Game 1 scoring. Only 18 points here tonight. He will be in isolation, now Wade comes over, double teamed, he doesn’t know what to do! He tries to throw it up court, somehow Sefolosha somehow comes down with it, guarded by Westbrook, he puts up a 3! No good! The Heat take the 96-95 victory, and the advantage in the series 2-1.”

Game 4 at. Oklahoma City Thunder
“Miller lines up for 3, that’s good! The Heat cut into the Thunder’s lead 35-20 now.”

“Wade down the lane, out to Battier in the corner, it’s off before the buzzer, another 3 pointer! All tied up 35-35 now! 18-0 run by the Heat to close out the first half. The Heat coming back to life in the last 4 minutes of the first half, as they tied the game 35-35 going into the half.”

“George’s shot, no good, rebound Bosh, and he slams it down! 52-42 lead for the Heat now!”

“Durant down the lane, blocked from behind by Wade! Battier gets the ball, out to George down the lane, slams it home! 75-55 now!”

“The Thunder have come back to life here. The Heat allowing a 20-2 run.They still have a chance to ice the game here however. 28 seconds remaining in the game. Still leading 77-75. Inbound to Wade. Guarded by Butler. He takes it down the floor, isolation, Durant coming over for the double team, bounce pass to George, who pulls up for 3! That’s good! 80-75, with 19 seconds to go!”

“The Heat avoid the collapse here tonight, escaping with the 80-75 victory, they now have a chance to close the Thunder out in 5 games, with the 3-1 series lead, to win their franchise’s second title.”

Game 5 at. Oklahoma City Thunder
“Miller for 3! That’s good. 20-17 Miami.”

“Westbrook driving, kicks it over to the corner where Miller is! Another 3 pointer! 33-28 now.”

“Wade down the lane, the lay-up is good! 38-28 now, 8 seconds left in the first half. Inbound to Fisher, who kicks it up the floor, intercepted by Battier, who drives down the floor, behind the arc and before the buzzer. That’s good! 41-28 lead into the half, the Heat need to hold on for one half to win the title!”

“George down the lane, misses the bank in, Rebound Andersen, out to Miller, another 3 pointer from Miller! 4-4 here tonight and the Heat have blown the lead up to 53-34.”

“Cole in isolation, a quick pass to Miller, another 3 pointer! 6-6 from behind the arc! And the Heat have no plans in stopping their offensive barrage here tonight. 78-50 now!”

“The Miami Heat have won the NBA Finals in 5 games! Closing out the Thunder in 5 games! 110-89 here tonight, the Heat will get their second title in franchise history. Their bench coming to life when they had to, scoring 56 points, most of that coming from Mike Miller’s 8 3 pointers.”

2012 NBA Finals
Miami Heat def. Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1
FINALS MVP Dwyane Wade


Author’s Notes:
New season is here. The Heat finally get their title, the same result OTL by finishing the Thunder off in 5 games. The Bulls can’t avoid Derrick Rose’s ACL injury, which causes them to stumble throughout the playoffs. Only time will tell if he recovers from it or not. So as always enjoy the season, and the offseason will be up next.
 
2012 NBA Draft
“With the First Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select...Anthony Davis, Power Forward from University of Kentucky.”

“With the Second Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Hornets select...Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Small Forward from University of Kentucky.”

“With the Third Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...Bradley Beal, Shooting Guard from University of Florida.”

“With the Fourth Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select...Damian Lillard, Point Guard from Webster State University.”

“With the Sixth Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers select...Harrison Barnes, Small Forward from University of North Carolina.”

“With the Seventh Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select...Andre Drummond, Center from University of Connecticut.”

“With the Thirty-Fifth Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select...Draymond Green, Power Forward from Michigan State University.”

Player Transitions:
Ray Allen: Chicago Bulls
Jamal Crawford: New York Knicks
Ryan Anderson: New Orleans Hornets
Steve Nash: Los Angeles Clippers
JR Smith: Boston Celtics
Nick Young: Indiana Pacers
Jason Terry: Golden State Warriors
Goran Dragic: Los Angeles Lakers
Spencer Hawes: Miami Heat
Joel Anthony: New Jersey Nets


Miami Heat Roster:
PG- Russell Westbrook
PG- Shaun Livingston
PG- Norris Cole
SG- Dwyane Wade
SG- Mike Miller
SF- Paul George
SF- James Jones
PF- Chris Bosh
PF- Shane Battier
PF- Udonis Haslem
C- Chris Andersen
C- Spencer Hawes
C- Dexter Pittman

Author’s Notes:
Newest offseason is here. The draft order was slightly altered for my plans, if you couldn’t tell, it was also another draft class that goes slightly overlooked with the talent. Free agency was also the same, but I decided to keep most people where they were. I was considering keeping the Heat’s roster the same, but decided to change it slightly. So as always enjoy the teaser, and the season will be up soon.
 
2012-2013 NBA Season
The Miami Heat would open the season with a losing effort to the young and upcoming Indiana Pacers, 87-70. The team seemed to have a championship hangover of sort, shooting 39% while the self named Big 4 of Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Paul George and Chris Bosh would only combine for 50 points between the four of them. Pacers’ Shooting Guard Lance Stephenson would be quoted after the game saying that the Heat’s title win was nothing but a fluke and they were the team to beat in the East, not the Heat, Knicks or Bulls. The comment didn’t sit well with the team.

The month of November would see the team return to what they were the year before, going 10-3 in the span of 13 games. The team would have a 10 game winning streak, where the last 3 games would see them lose to Milwaukee, Cleveland and San Antonio in a row to close out the month. The offensive showing the Heat would put on during the 13 games was one of the best ever, averaging about 109 points per game, mainly in part to the bench’s 3 point shooting, along with the starter’s ability to score. Dwyane Wade, who led the league in scoring the previous season, would make another push for the title, averaging 26.3 points per game, second behind Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant 28.8 points per game.

December wouldn’t slow down the Heat. Their record of 11-4 during the span of 15 games, sat them at 21-8 for the season, good enough for 2nd Seed in the East, sitting behind the Chicago Bulls, who were 23-6 thanks to Derrick Rose brushing off his ACL injury and Lebron James being himself. The team’s signature win of the month would be a Christmas Day victory over the Indiana Pacers, where the Heat would get revenge on them for their opening night’s loss. Winning 118-84, thanks to Dwyane Wade’s 42 points. Back up Center Dexter Pittman would send a message to Lance Stephenson by ‘accidentally’ throwing a forearm into his jaw during a rebound attempt. The league would suspend Pittman three games for the incident and Stephenson would once again make a comment after the game saying he was nothing but a coward. Many fans felt a new rivalry brewing in the East.

As good as the Heat were in the two months of November and December, January seemed like the team was just shut off. The new year would see them lose 3 games in a row, to Dallas, Chicago and Washington, all by double digits. Stumbling into a 7-6 record in the span of 13 months while sitting at 28-14 on the year, still good enough for 2nd seed in the East, but only held a half game advantage over the Indiana Pacers. Dwyane Wade cooled down, being held to only 19 points during the month, 23 on the year, as many started to discredit his chances at league leading scorer, let alone the MVP award like he had been the years before. Coach Spoelstra, who wasn’t afraid of calling his team out, would challenge them to get better at rebounding and even held practices that focused only on that feature.

His gamble seem to pay off, as in the month of February they would improve to 9-4 during the span of another 13 games, which sat them at 37-18, still behind the Chicago Bulls who were at 40-15. The team wouldn’t be back at the offense the first three months saw them at, but they were starting to out rebound their opponents every game, thanks in large part to the play of Chris Bosh, who averaged 11 rebounds during the month, and 9 on the year. The All Star break would see 3 Heat players be invited to the game. Dwyane Wade, Paul George and Chris Bosh would all be on the team, while Wade and Bosh would start. Point Guard Russell Westbrook was also invited, but he declined to go to rest, and heal up a nagging ankle injury.

The team would continue to improve, thanks to their reinvented rebounding and defense, and during the span of 18 games in the month of March, they would win 12, which kept them in a comfortable level of 49-24, to keep a tight hold on the 2nd Seed while at the same time starting to sneak up on the Chicago Bulls who were 52-21. The Heat would defeat the Bulls in March as well, as Dwyane Wade would score 49 points to get a 105-99 victory. While at the same time, the offense started to come back to what it was in the beginning of the year as Russell Westbrook and Paul George would both average 25 points per game during the month, 23.4 and 20.1 respectively on the year.

The final month of the year would see the Heat continue their hot streak, going 7-2 during the span of 9 games, and they would finish at 56-26, 2nd seed in the East as the Chicago Bulls would finish 60-22. Erik Spoelstra would rest Dwyane Wade and Russell Westbrook during the final 5 games, as they both had to deal with nagging leg injuries, even though it seemed like the team didn’t need them. Chris Bosh would average 31.4 points per game during the span of 8 games (being sat out for the final game of the year). Paul George would lead the team in 3 point shooting, making 30 during the span of the month. The team seemed like a real threat to best the rest of the East and make the NBA Finals again.

East Standings:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. Indiana Pacers
4. New York Knicks
5. Boston Celtics
6. Washington Wizards
7. Brooklyn Nets
8. Milwaukee Bucks

West Standings:
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Los Angeles Clippers
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Portland Trail Blazers

Game 1 vs. Brooklyn Nets
“The Miami Heat will take Game 1, and the 1-0 series lead thanks in large part to the play of Dwyane Wade, scoring 39 points, 22 in the second half. The Heat take the easy 109-82 victory, as we wait Game 2 here in Miami.”

Game 2 vs. Brooklyn Nets
“The Nets holding onto a 99-95 lead here with a minute to go. The Heat using their final timeout, as they Inbound it to Westbrook, he takes it down the court and immediately pulls up for a 3! Nails it! Now 99-98, with 50 seconds to go. The Nets inbound to Williams, the Heat do not need to foul here. Williams pushes it down the floor, Wade guarding him, he takes it in isolation allowing the clock to wear down. Before giving it over to Wallace in the paint, he’s back Bosh down goes in for the lay-up, no good! Rebound Andersen. 28 seconds to go in the game! The Heat trailing 99-98. Andersen gives it to Wade, who takes it down the floor. Begins to drive, the lay-up, no good! Rebound Bosh, he puts it back up himself! The Heat now lead 100-99 with 11 seconds to go!”

Game 3 at. Brooklyn Nets
“The Nets will cut into Miami’s 2-0 lead. Winning 88-83 here at home. The score alot closer than the game was. The Heat couldn’t get anything going on the boards, let alone on offense. The series now 2-1, as we wait Game 4 here in Brooklyn.”

Game 4 at. Brooklyn Nets
“The Heat trying to hold onto the lead here. Winning 100-98, they were up 100-82 but the Nets have come roaring back with a 16-0 run, thanks to the play of Deron Williams. They now have a chance to win the game here. Using their last timeout, 18 seconds left in the game. A 3 can win the game, a field goal will send it into overtime. Inbounding it to Williams, 10 points here in the 4th Quarter. Erik Spoelstra pulling out Westbrook, and putting in Norris Cole to guard him. Pushing it down the floor, Williams in isolation, he tries to drive but tight defense by Cole. He kicks it out to Stackhouse, guarded by Wade. He tries to drive, but nothing there. He cuts it back to Williams who drives to the rim! No good! Rebound Bosh, and he will be fouled.”

“Bosh’s second Free Throw will...put the Heat up 102-98 with 5 seconds left. They are in perfect position to take the 3-1 series lead going back home.”

Game 5 vs. Brooklyn Nets
“The Miami Heat will close out the Brooklyn Nets in 5 games. Cruising to another easy victory, 112-82, Dwyane Wade and Russell Westbrook combining for 77 points. They await the winner of the Indiana Pacers or Washington Wizards.”

The Heat would have little trouble with the Brooklyn Nets, closing them out in 5 games. They would be met with the Indiana Pacers who would survive the upset scare the Washington Wizards would provide closing them out in 7 games. Alot of people were excited for the series, considering what happened during the regular season between the two teams.

Game 1 vs. Indiana Pacers
“This Free Throw from Kawhi Leonard can close out the Miami Heat here in Game One. Leading 101-97, his second free throw will...go in! Now up 102-97 with 9 seconds to go.”

“The Indiana Pacers take the 1-0 series lead, and with it Home Court Advantage. Escaping with a 102-100 victory.”

Game 2 vs. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat trialing 89-88 here. 12 seconds to go. Kawhi Leonard again hitting two free throws, this time around to take the lead. Inbounding it to Wade, Westbrook and George both fouling out in the past minute. They need a last shot here. Guarded by Stephenson, he starts to push past him, down the lane, no defense! And the lay-up is good! Horrible defense by the Pacers! The Heat back up 90-89, 3 seconds to go. They inbound it to Stephenson he throws up a prayer, not even close! The Heat tie the series back up 1-1 going back to Indiana.”

Game 3 at. Indiana Pacers
“Stephenson’s shot misses, rebound Hibbert who slams it back in.”

“Another rebound Hibbert, kicks it back out to Leonard for 3! 50-40 Indiana now.”

“Wade goes up for lay-up, no good. Rebound Randolph, who kicks it up the floor to Stephenson, and he slams home the dunk! 77-57. Timeout Miami.”

“West misses the elbow jumper, rebound Hibbert, blocked from behind my Hawes! Rebound to Leonard now, who puts the shot back in. 98-70 now.”

“Indiana will take the 2-1 series lead, thanks to their rebounding here tonight to give them the 108-82 victory, outrebounded Miami 49-22, they will have serious questions to ask about their boards.”

Game 4 at. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat take back the series. Tying it 2-2, in large part to the Russell Westbrook. He seemed to put the team on his back, scoring 40 points here tonight as the Heat cruise to the easy 100-82 victory, going back to Miami.”

Game 5 vs. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat will take the 3-2 series lead, just one more game and they will go back to a 3rd straight Conference Finals. The Pacers almost stalled completely in the second half, they had the 50-44 halftime lead before losing 100-88. The Heat can thank Chris Bosh for the victory here tonight scoring 32 points.”

Game 6 at. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat trailing 90-86 here, roughly 1:30 left in the game. They inbound it to Westbrook after Leonard’s jumper. He pushes it down the floor, Stephenson guarding him, Westbrook will try to drive here, stripped by Stephenson! Leonard and George both dive for the loose ball, Leonard comes up with the ball, throws it up court to Stephenson who slams it down and is fouled by Westbrook! A chance for a 3 point play!”

“The Indiana Pacers survive another day here, their defense shutting down Miami in the last 2 minutes, to get the 95-86 victory to take the series back to Miami for a Game 7.”

Game 7 vs. Indiana Pacers
“Do or die here for Miami. They trail 86-84, with roughly 10 seconds to go. A defensive blunder by Russell Westbrook on fouling Hill, whose Free Throws have put the Pacers up 2 and was Westbrook’s sixth foul of the game. Cole is in for him. They inbound it to Wade, he will clearly get the last shot here. A shot that could be the last of their season. He’s in isolation with Stephenson guarding him. 9-13 here tonight, 22 points. He will slowly push it up to the arc, before starting to drive, step back at the buzzer...it’s good! The shot is good and we are going to Overtime here in Game 7! Wade’s heroics coming up again for Miami!”

“Leonard down the lane, and slams it down. What terrible defense by the Heat there, as Coach Spoelstra will call a timeout. 8-0 lead to start Overtime for the Pacers, leading 94-86.”

“Wade down the lane, misses the lay-up, rebound Bosh, tries to put it up himself, blocked by Randolph! Stephenson gets the loose ball and he’ll call a timeout. The Pacers with a huge stop here, still leading 94-86 with 43 seconds to go.”

“Hill with the ball, Livingston guarding him after Norris Cole is the second Heat player to foul out. He’ll start to drive, tight defense from Livingston, he’ll kick it out to Green in the corner. Bang! A 3 pointer, that could be Miami’s dagger! 97-86 with 22 seconds to go!”

“The Indiana Pacers will upset the favored Miami Heat to meet the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals with a chance to go to the NBA Finals.”

2013 NBA Finals
Chicago Bulls def. San Antonio Spurs 4-2
FINALS MVP Lebron James


Author’s Notes:
So new season is up. ‘It’s about damn time’ happens a season later for Lebron as ITTL the ACL injury doesn’t bother Derrick Rose. I had the Pacers established as another major contender in the East, while keeping the Heat-Pacers rivalry a thing since that was pretty entertaining OTL. So as always enjoy the season and the offseason is to follow.
 
I'm surprise the bulls were able to take the spurs in 6 but they did have a deeper team than Miami those years, is thins not running his players into the ground with Lebron there?
 
No, Lebron's basically the coach as he is in Cleveland OTL. Also, don't forget the Spurs don't have Leonard or Green who played a large part in taking the Heat to 7 that series.
 
That's right! God those spurs teams always managed to get hot against us even when we had great perimeter defense
 
2013 NBA Draft
“With the First Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select...Victor Oladipo, Shooting Guard from University of Indiana."

“With the Second Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...Otto Porter, Small Forward from University of Georgetown.”

“With the Third Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select...Alex Len, Center from University of Maryland.”

“With the Thirthenth Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select...Giannis Antetokounmpo, Small Forward from Greece.”

“With the Fourteenth Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select...Kelly Olynyk, Center from University of Gonzaga.”

“With the Twenty-Fourth Overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...Rudy Gobert, Center from France.”

Player Transitions:
Kevin Garnett: New Orleans Pelicans
Paul Pierce: New Orleans Pelicans
Jrue Holiday: Boston Celtics
Alex Len: Boston Celtics
Matt Barnes: New York Knicks
Andre Iguodala: Memphis Grizzlies
Shaun Livingston: New York Knicks
Josh Smith: Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Jack: Miami Heat
OJ Mayo: Atlanta Hawks
Dwight Howard: Los Angeles Clippers
Deandre Jordan: Orlando Magic
Monta Ellis: Indiana Pacers


Miami Heat Roster:
PG- Russell Westbrook
PG- Norris Cole
PG- Jarrett Jack
SG- Dwyane Wade
SG- Mike Miller
SF- Paul George
SF- James Jones
PF- Chris Bosh
PF- Shane Battier
PF- Udonis Haslem
C- Chris Andersen
C- Spencer Hawes
C- Dexter Pittman

Author's Notes:
Another offseason is up, I didn't change too much with the draft since that class was pretty weak, but even then still made changes. Free agency that year was stacked so that was interesting to write, I had Dwight wait a year with Orlando as I didn't have plans for him to join the Lakers as OTL, and so he doesn't turn into too much a villain even though he still leaves Orlando. I was generous with the Nets as they don't basically trade away their entire future for Boston's aging players, however I still wanted them to change teams so the Pelicans were the ones to pull the trigger, since they would be more desperate without Davis around. I was thinking of making drastic changes to the Heat roster, mostly with the bench, but kept it basically the same for now as that core is stacked. So as always enjoy the teaser and the season will be up sometime this week.
 
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2013-2014 NBA Season
The Heat would travel to the city of Chicago to kick off the NBA season, to take on the defending NBA Champions of the Bulls. The Bulls would take the victory thanks to a Game Winning 3 Pointer by Derrick Rose at the buzzer. Even with the loss, Russell Westbrook and Paul George impressed fans as they both scored 40 points each respectively. The night after the team would get back on the right track winning over the Philadelphia 76ers 103-88, large part in Paul George’s 30 points and 10 rebounds.

The team would continue their woes into the month of November, losing the first 3 games all by double digits. All stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh just seemed off in the span of the 5 games, Wade would only average 19 points per game, and Bosh would be outplayed in the paint by other bigs in the league. Coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t put off the idea of benching both, but said at the time he wouldn’t make no changes to the starting line up. The four game in the month, six on the year, would be where the team started to turn things around. Hosting the Los Angeles Clippers, Dwyane Wade seem to be a man reborn by the threat of losing his starting position, scoring 59 points as Bosh would prove his worth as well, grabbing 13 rebounds and blocking 7 shots. After the game, Coach Spoelstra jokingly said that he should threaten to change the lineup to every player. The rest of the month the team was one of the hottest in the league, sitting at 11-5, battling the New York Knicks for the 2nd seed in the east, who sat in at 12-4, while the Chicago Bulls kept their chokehold on the 1st Seed at 13-3.

December saw the team cool off some, not being terrible but at the same time not being the best. A record of 9-6 during the span of 15 games, saw the team sat at 20-11, still in 3rd seed as the Knicks kept outpacing the Heat for the 2nd seed. The team had issues with defense during the span of the entire month. Allowing Lebron James to score 40 points in their December 5th loss to the Bulls, being outscored by Indiana’s bench by nearly 35 points in their December 10th loss to the Pacers. Not to mention allowing Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving to hit 8 3 pointers in the second half in their December 14th loss to the team. If there was any upside to the team's struggles, their offense was a positive. Russell Westbrook and Paul George seem to start come out as their own stars, averaging 24.2 and 21.3 points per game respectively. Dwyane Wade was quoted following a game saying that he would be glad to let the two lead the team instead of himself, but at the same time don’t count him out.

January was the month of the Heat. It seemed like a friendly competition between teammates broke out to see who could score the most points. The team would go on an 11 game winning streak to start the month off, while finishing at 13-1 in the month. They would sit at 33-12, which would push them past the New York Knicks for the 2nd seed, who sat at 29-14. Dwyane Wade would start to show signs of his old self, averaging 28.2 points per game during the span of the 14 games, 21.2 on the year. At the same time, Westbrook and George would continue to breakout as their own stars. George would score 43 points in their January 15th win over the Washington Wizards. The following game, Westbrook would score 48 in their win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The team was one of the hottest teams in the league, let alone the East.

Even though the team was still hot on offense, their poor defense would start to catch up as they would go 7-3 in the span of 10 games during the shortened month of February. This would push them to 38-15 for the year, still good enough for the 2nd seed in the East, but still sitting 2 games behind the Chicago Bulls who were 40-13. Even with their cooling down, the team would still make headlines as they tied the record for most players invited to the All Star game, with 4 players. Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Paul George and Chris Bosh were all named for the team, even though only Westbrook would be a starter. The team didn’t have any players invited to the dunk contest or 3 point shooting contest.

Luck didn’t seem to continue to stay with the Miami Heat. They started off 4-0 in the month of March, before in the 5th game Dwyane Wade would go down with an knee injury. The official diagnosis would be a bruised kneecap, an injury which would cause him to miss the rest of the regular season. The team would continue to be a great team without him, but it seemed like the team still missed his presence. March would see the team play 18 games, where they would win 11 games of those, sitting at 49-22 while behind the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls.

The team seemed like they just wanted the month of April to just end. Struggling on offense and defense, not to mention nagging injuries, the team would lose the final 9 games of the year. They would lose the 2nd seed to the New York Knicks, and would finish at 51-31 for the 3rd seed in the East. Many experts started to blow the team’s chances off in the NBA Playoffs in getting another title.

East Standings:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. New York Knicks
3. Miami Heat
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Washington Wizards
7. Boston Celtics
8. Atlanta Hawks

West Standings:
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Golden State Warriors
5. New Orleans Pelicans
6. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Utah Jazz

Game 1 vs. Washington Wizards
“Welcome back Dwyane Wade. His first game back since the beginning of March, he scores 31 points in his team’s victory here in Game 1. The Heat win 102-92, thanks in large part to their starting lineup’s scoring, outscoring the Wizards’ starters 82-50.”

Game 2 vs. Washington Wizards
“The Wizards have a chance to put the game away. Leading 88-87 here, a 2 still gives the Heat a chance, a 3 could put the game away. 29 seconds remaining, inbound to Lowry, guarded by Westbrook. He begins to slowly push it down the court, before taking it in isolation. He starts to drive down the lane, over to Davis. Blocked by Andersen! George dives for the loose ball, he gets and calls the team’s last timeout. 8 seconds to go!”

“The Heat have a chance to take a 2-0 series lead going back to Washington with a lost shot here, Andersen’s defense coming up big on the Wizards’ last possession. They inbound it to Wade, he quickly begins to drive, out to George in the corner for the win...bang! The 3 pointer right before the buzzer wins the game for the Heat! 90-88 victory will take the 2-0 series advantage!”

Game 3 at. Washington Wizards
“Westbrook goes down the lane, and misses the lay-up as he is fouled by Cousins, but he’ll come down hard on his leg, clutching his right ankle, this doesn’t look good for Westbrook, he’s still down clutching his ankle.”

“The Wizards take Game 3 to avoid the huge 3-0 hole. The Heat seemed to cool down as an offensive unit after Westbrook’s ankle injury, which we will wait an update for.”

Game 4 at. Washington Wizards
“Cole comes in for Russell Westbrook who can’t play tonight due to his ankle injury.”

“Wade comes down the lane, blocked by Cousins!”

“George for 3, misses as Davis goes up and grabs the rebound.”

“Wade over to Cole who gets stripped from behind by Lowry!”

“George drives to lane, blocked by Cousins again!”

“The Washington Wizards will tie the series 2-2, thanks in large part to their defensive effort here tonight. Holding the Heat to only 76 points, to get the 98-76 victory, the series now a best of 3 as we shift back to Miami.”

Game 5 vs. Washington Wizards
“The Heat will take the Washington Wizards to the brink, grabbing the 3-2 series lead thanks to the return of Russell Westbrook, who scores 29 points in his return as the Heat take the 89-80 victory.”

Game 6 at. Washington Wizards
“Miller for 3, that’s good! Cutting into the Wizards lead, 22-14 now.”

“Westbrook slams it down over Kyle Lowry! Oh my what a dunk! A chance to retake the lead late here in the 1st quarter, 22-21.”

“Wade to the rim, another lay-up.”

“Wade begins to drive, kicks it out to Bosh, for the 3! The Heat now up 52-39 as we come closer to halftime.”

“Battier lines up a 3 pointer...that’s good!”

“Westbrook blows past Lowry, and a vicious slam at the rim!”

“The Miami Heat will close out the Washington Wizards 4-2, their offense blowing up tonight, to get the 122-98 victory to move onto the second round. They will meet the New York Knicks in the second round.”

The Heat would survive the upset scare the Washington Wizards would provide, and meet another Eastern Powerhouse in the Second Round in the New York Knicks who swept the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Game 1 at. New York Knicks
“The Knicks take Game 1 at home, the 1-0 series lead thanks to Steph Curry’s 3 point shooting effort here tonight. 8-13 from behind the arc, and finishing with 34 points, they take the first victory in the series.”

Game 2 at. New York Knicks
“The Heat take the victory here tonight, Russell Westbrook recording his first career playoff Triple Double to lead his team to the 99-80 victory to tie the series up 1-1 going back to Miami.”

Game 3 vs. New York Knicks
“George in the corner, Bosh finds him, for the 3! The Heat charging out to 13-2 early in the game here.”

“George blows by Anthony, and slams home the dunk! Man, the Heat are continuing to bash the Knicks here in the 1st Quarter. They call a timeout as the Heat are up 24-7.”

“Westbrook driving with Curry on him, he’ll be blocked at the rim by Gobert! Andersen gets the loose ball, out to George on the elbow, bang!”

“Wade down the lane, and out to George, another 3 Pointer!”

“The Heat take the series lead in a crucial Game 3 at home. Up 2-1 in large part to Paul George who ended up with 25 points in the first half and 39 on the game. They get the easy blowout victory 110-83.”

Game 4 vs. New York Knicks
“The Heat are up 92-82 here, after the Knicks second to last timeout used with 3:13 left in the game. Inbound it to Curry, he begins to drive up the court, Cole on him as Westbrook picked up his 5th foul in the game on their last offensive possession. Curry quickly pulls up from behind the arc, and nails the 3 in the face of Norris Cole! 2:59 left and the Knicks cut into the Heat’s lead 92-85.”

“George down the lane, and he will be blocked from behind by Barnes! Curry gets the loose ball, and throws it up court to Anthony, who slams the dunk home. Now only down by 2, with 1:54 left, a 8-0 run by the Knicks.”

“11 seconds left in the game. The Knicks have a chance to win the game, or send the game into Overtime. Down 96-94, they inbound it midcourt to Curry. Guarded by Westbrook, he begins to push it to the arc, starting to drive, he’ll be stopped by Bosh as they double team him, the clock wearing down, he needs to do something here. Out to Anthony, for the win! Yes! He nails the 3 pointer! George late on defense, he nails the 3 to get the 97-96 victory here over the Heat to tie the series 2-2!”

Game 5 at. New York Knicks
“The New York Knicks are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals. They take the victory here tonight which will turn the series 3-2 in their favor. Steph Curry and Carmelo Anthony combining for 65 points as we will take the series back to Miami.”

Game 6 vs. New York Knicks
“Dwyane Wade down the lane, and the lay-up. His first points of the night late here in the 1st Quarter, the Knicks now up 25-20.”

“Cole down the lane and he misses the lay-up, rebound George who kicks it back out to Wade on the elbow, another field goal by Wade, scoring the team’s last 9 points, as the Heat take their first lead of the night at 29-28.”

“Wade with the tear-drop, and the foul by Barnes, a chance for the 3 point play, Dwyane Wade now with 17 points, as the Heat are on a 15-3 run.”

“The Heat live another day as we take the series back tied 3-3 to New York. The winner advances to face the winner of the Chicago Bulls or the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. They owe the victory large part to Dwyane Wade who scored 40 points tonight, as well as 10 assists, as the Heat get the 111-99 victory.”

Game 7 at. New York Knicks
“The Knicks have a chance to win the series here. Tied 99-99 after Chris Bosh’s jumper from 20 feet out to tie the game. Now 17 seconds left, they will inbound it to Curry who is guarded by Cole, Westbrook fouling out could prove to be fatal to his team. Cole tight defense on Curry already, not allowing him to pull up from behind the arc, he’ll kick it out to Anthony who begins to drive on George the teardrop, blocked by Bosh! Cole gets the loose ball and time will run out here in Game 7, we are going to overtime!”

“George in the corner for 3, that’s good! 102-99 the Heat get first points here in overtime.”

“Cole misses the lay-up, and Andersen slams in the rebound! 107-99 now!”

“Wade down the lane, tight defense by Golbert, out to Bosh, for 3! 110-99, 2:20 left in Overtime the Heat exploding here in Overtime!”

“Curry pulls up over Cole, for the 3! What a shot, cutting into the Heat’s lead. 110-102 now.”

“Cole stripped by Korver! Anthony gets the loose ball and kicks it up to Curry, he stops behind the arc, another 3 pointer! 110-105 as the Heat call a timeout, 1:03 left in the game.”

“The Heat survive the Knicks last chance, and will be moving onto the Eastern Conference Finals. Winning 112-108 in Overtime, they will be met with the Indiana Pacers. What a series that should be.”

The Heat would avoid going home for the second straight year in the second round. Going to their third Conference Finals in four years, they would be met with the Indiana Pacers who would upset the Chicago Bulls in the second round in 7 games due to Lebron James injuring his back in Game 5.

Game 1 vs. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat take Game 1, thanks to Russell Westbrook’s second Triple Double these playoffs, 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists they take the 88-71 victory, to take the 1-0 series lead.”

Game 2 vs. Indiana Pacers
“Wade down the lane, the lay-up around Hibbert, and the foul as Wade crashes to the floor, landing on his leg, and he grips his knee almost immediately, the one that saw him sit out the final two months of the regular season.”

“The Pacers tied the series 1-1 going back. The Heat almost made the comeback, losing 99-94 as they trailed by 20 in the 4th Quarter. They are waiting the update on Dwyane Wade’s knee.”

Game 3 at. Indiana Pacers
“Dwyane Wade is officially out for tonight’s Game 3. Russell Westbrook will fill in for his spot at the Shooting Guard, as Norris Cole will play Point.”

“The Indiana Pacers take the 2-1 series lead, the Heat couldn’t get anything going on offense as Norris Cole and Russell Westbrook seemed unfit to play their respective positions.”

Game 4 at. Indiana Pacers
“Dwyane Wade still out for Game 4 with his knee injury, Coach Erik Spoelstra still keeping the same lineup Game 3.”

“The series will be tied back at 2-2, Russell Westbrook now back as his former self, almost nearing another Triple Double these playoffs and in this series, just one rebound shy, the Heat get the 110-102 victory heading back to Miami.”

Game 5 vs. Indiana Pacers
“The Heat down 88-80 after that last field goal by Kawhi Leonard, 4:01 left in the game in this crucial Game 5. Following their timeout, they will inbound it to Cole. He will be guarded by Ellis as he pushes it down the floor, he quickly gives it over to Westbrook who starts to drive on Stephenson and he will lob it to a wide open Bosh, for the dunk! 88-82 now.”

“Stephenson trying to drive, double teamed by Westbrook and Cole he’ll lose the ball, Cole gets the ball starts to go on the fast break, and lobs it to George! Tied 88-88 now! 8-0 run by the Heat as the Pacers will call a timeout.”

“Hibbert, the put back! No good! Rebound Hawes, he quickly gives it over to George who starts to push it up the floor, before isolation. Guarded by Leonard he starts to drive, tight defense gives it back out to Bosh in the corner, for 3! The Heat take their first lead since the First Quarter, 91-88.”

“The Heat are now one win away from going back to the NBA Finals, escaping with the 93-91 victory going back to Indiana.”

Game 6 at. Indiana Pacers
“The Miami Heat are heading back to the NBA Finals! Closing out the rival Indiana Pacers in 6 games. The blowout victory of 101-83 as their 3 point shooting played a large part in the win, 18-29 from behind the arc, they await to see who they play in the Finals, either the Memphis Grizzlies or the San Antonio Spurs.”

The Heat would close the Indiana Pacers out in 6 games. They would be going back to their second Finals in 3 years to face the Memphis Grizzlies, who defeated the San Antonio Spurs in 7 games. Dwyane Wade would be able to play Game 1 of the NBA Finals after his knee finally healed.

Game 1 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
“The Grizzlies have a chance to win the game. Trailing 85-83, a 3 wins the game, a 2 sends it to overtime. They inbound it to Paul after their last timeout. 13 seconds left in the game. Guarded by Westbrook, he begins to push it up the floor and starts to drive already, the shot it’s no good! Rebounded by Bosh, he will avoid being fouled and the clock will wear out. Chris Paul missing the Game tying shot, and the Heat take the 1-0 series lead in the NBA Finals.”

Game 2 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
“Paul out to Iguodala, for the 3 points! Now up to a 19-5 lead, exploding here early, as the Heat take their first timeout of the game.”

“Paul on the fast break, the lob to Stoudamire, who slams it down! Now a 31-11 lead, the Grizzlies seem like they can do what they want to the Heat here in Game 2.”

“Gasol begins to back Andersen down, and the turn around put in. That’s good! Now 50-22, the Heat call another timeout, they need to do something to slow down the Grizzlies before halftime.”

“The Grizzlies tie the series up 1-1 going back to Memphis, their offense exploding on all cylinders here tonight, taking the 119-88 victory.”

Game 3 at. Memphis Grizzlies
“The Grizzlies now take the series lead, 2-1 as they survive the Heat’s chance at a comeback, they were up by 22 in the third quarter by they will only win by 4 points, 95-91 as we await Game 4 here in Memphis.”

Game 4 at. Memphis Grizzlies
“Jack from behind the arc, for 3! 27-20 Memphis now.”

“Battier lines up the shot, another 3 pointer! 27-27 now and the Heat are on a 10-0 run here.”

“Wade gives it back out to Miller, another 3! The Heat now on fire from behind the arc, up 41-31 but already knocking down 6 3 pointers here in the 1st half.”

“Cole fires up a 3 pointer, that’s good!”

“Battier will knock down his 6th 3 pointer of the game! The Heat are not stopping anytime soon from their excellent shooting from behind the arc.”

“Wade down the lane, misses the lay-up, gets his own rebound he sees Bosh in the corner, the 3...will break the NBA Finals record for most 3 pointers in a game! 19 3 pointers here tonight, breaking the Bulls record they set last year against the Spurs. And the Grizzlies take a timeout as they have an almost unmountable hole to climb out of, down 98-62 here early in the 4th Quarter.”

“The Heat tie the series back up 2-2, as we will play the last game here in Memphis in Game 5. The Heat breaking the NBA Finals’ record for most 3 pointers made by a team with 21, as they cruised to the 118-87 win.”

Game 5 at. Memphis Grizzlies
“The Grizzlies win their final home game here in the Finals. They seem to have made the right adjustments have the embarrassing defensive effort they made in Game 4. Shutting down the Heat here tonight to get the 85-70 win, as they take 3-2 series lead and are one win away to take the title.”

Game 6 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
“Chris Paul lining up to take these two free throws. Up 93-91 with 15 seconds to go in the game. He needs to make at least one to make sure the Heat won win on their next possession. The first free throw...will be good. Now 94-91. If he makes this second one he will put the Grizzlies in good position to win the title. The second free throw...is no good! Rebound Andersen! The Heat are out of timeouts, he’ll give it over Wade who begins to push it down floor, gives it over to Westbrook who slips off the Bosh screen, and gives it back to Wade who puts up a 3, no good! Rebound Bosh, back out to George, his 3 pointer. Bang! Tied game with 3.5 seconds remaining! 94-94! The Grizzlies are also out of timeouts, they inbound to Paul who starts to push it up the floor before throwing up the miracle, no good! We are going to overtime!”

“Gasol will slam home the rebound off of Iguodala's miss. The Grizzlies back with a lead now 97-96. 1:04 left in Overtime. The Heat will not take a timeout and inbound it to Wade, who begins to push it down the floor, guarded by Paul, he will give it over to Westbrook who starts to drive, misses the lay-up, George gets the rebound, back out to Wade, takes the jumper! That’s good! The Heat are back up 98-97, as the Grizzlies take their last timeout.”

“The Heat will tie the series back up 3-3. Almost thanks solely to Paul George who hit the Game tying 3 in regulation, we will play a deciding Game 7 here in Miami to see who will win the NBA Finals.”

Game 7 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
“Wade will blow past the defense and slam the dunk down! His first points of the night as they start to cut into the Grizzlies 12-6 lead.”

“Westbrook misses the shot, but Wade is there to slam in the dunk!”

“The jumper by Wade, that’s good!”

“Rebound by Bosh, he’ll throw it up the court to Wade who is already there and he slams home the dunk! The Heat now have their first lead of the night 44-43 as Dwyane Wade has 13 points here in Game 7.”

“Paul blows past Jack, and will go up for the lay-up but is blocked from behind by Wade! Miller gets the rebound, and gives it over to Wade who will take it on the fast break lay-up! The Heat now up 60-50 to start the 3rd Quarter and Dwyane Wade has 22 points here tonight.”

“Cole down the lane, and back out to Wade from behind the arc! A 3 pointer by Wade! Now 35 points as the Heat are starting to run away with the lead. 83-68 late here in the third quarter.”

“The Miami Heat will win their third title in franchise history! Their second in the past two years as the close out Memphis in 7 games. Dwyane Wade finishing with 39 points to secure the 99-85 victory!”

2014 NBA Finals
Miami Heat def. Memphis Grizzlies 4-3
FINALS MVP Dwyane Wade


Author’s Notes:
Another season with another Heat title. I almost had them facing the Spurs as OTL, but decided to go with the Grizzlies as if you didn’t notice they were quietly building a team over the years. I was going to have the Eastern Conference Finals be Wade v Lebron again, but thought to have some level of parity and let the Pacers make it. So as always enjoy the season, and the offseason will see some changes to the team and probably the league.
 
2014 NBA Draft
“With the First Overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select...Andrew Wiggins, Small Forward from University of Kansas.”

“With the Second Overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select...Jabari Parker, Small Forward from Duke University.”

“With the Third Overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select...Joel Embiid, Center from University of Kansas.”

“With the Fourth Overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...Aaron Gordon, Power Forward from University of Arizona.”

“With the Seventh Overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select...Julius Randle, Power Forward from University of Kentucky.”

Player Transitions:
Josh Smith: Oklahoma City Thunder
Kris Humphries: Cleveland Cavaliers
Dexter Pittman: Atlanta Hawks
Josh McRoberts: Miami Heat
Ben Gordon: Miami Heat
Chandler Parsons: Washington Wizards
Andrew Bynum: Miami Heat
Lance Stephenson: New York Knicks
Hassan Whiteside: Los Angeles Lakers
Pau Gasol: Indiana Pacers
Zach Randolph: Chicago Bulls
Isiah Thomas: Toronto Raptors
Gordon Hayward: Cleveland Cavaliers
Marcin Gortat: Miami Heat


Miami Heat Roster:
PG- Russell Westbrook
PG- Norris Cole
PG- Jarrett Jack
SG- Dwyane Wade
SG- Ben Gordon
SF- Paul George
SF- James Jones
PF- Chris Bosh
PF- Josh McRoberts
PF- Udonis Haslem
C- Spencer Hawes
C- Andrew Bynum
C- Marcin Gortat

Author’s Notes:
Another offseason is up, the draft I had some drastic changes to as I decided to have new teams get new players. The Heat’s bench was drastically changed to have some new pieces to write, plus Battier Andersen and Miller were all getting old so it would make sense for the team to make changes. I was thinking of having Lebron go back to Cleveland as OTL but thought since he only won one ring ITTL as contrast to two OTL, he would stick around for another chance to win another. Another side note, if you couldn’t notice we only have 3 season left to go! I do have an idea for a 4th TL, this time probably going back to the NFL, for the hint the POD is in 2004, but for now enjoy the teaser and the season shall follow soon.
 
Can't wait to see who wins this year! Spurs won't be powered by haterade this time around, and both the Bulls and Pacers should be getting hit with OTL injury bug, Miami too, to a degree.
 
2014-2015 NBA Season
The Miami Heat would start the NBA season by hosting the Washington Wizards, in which would see the defending champions, winning 122-100. Dwyane Wade seem like he hadn’t lost a step since his historic Game 7 in the previous year’s NBA Finals, scoring 33 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. The team played their only game in the month of October like the defending champions should.

The month of November was shaking, putting it kindly, for the champs. Struggling all month to get anything going on offense, they would go 7-8 during the span of 15 games. Their four All stars in the shape of Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Paul George and Chris Bosh were the start of the issues on offense. The most points the ‘big 4’ would combine for during the span of the 15 games would be 65, during their November 12th loss to the Indiana Pacers. Even with the starting lineup looking to be rusty the bench, which consisted of many new faces, wasn’t as bad as everyone thought they would be. Backup Centers Bynum and Gortat would be a force on the rebounding, while Josh McRoberts would average 4 blocks a game.

The first game in December the team would look better than the collective effort of November. December 1st, they would play the Wizards and would get the 108-80 win on the road. Dwyane Wade would score 40 points, almost seeming to be tired of the criticism the team would face on their offensive effort. The game wasn’t a fluke, as the team would go 10-7 during the span of 15 games. This included a game to remember on Christmas Day where Dwyane Wade and Los Angeles Lakers’ Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant would have a showdown for the ages. Taking turns in putting on a show for the Miami crowd, Wade would finish with 49 points and Bryant with 44, Wade’s better performance would get the team the 99-90 victory. The team would finish the year at mediocre 18-15 record, which would place them in 6th seed on the East.

The new year would where the Heat started to become fully into the defending champions that they were. The team would become into one of the most offensive efficient teams in the league. The team would use their prolific starting lineup scoring ability, as well as the bench’s ability to step in when the players need to rest. They would win the first 12 games on the month, before the last game on the month would prove to be disaster for the team. Hosting the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat would have not one, but two allstars go down with season ending knee injuries. In the 1st quarter, Russell Westbrook would go down on his leg after trying to drive on Vince Carter, where he tore his ACL. If that wasn’t bad enough, Dwyane Wade would bruise his knee in the 3rd quarter, but this time around it was a much deeper bruise and he would miss at least 5 months. Even with the sudden shock of losing two starters in the same game, they sat at 30-16 and that would put them in 3rd seed in the East.

The team would immediately miss the duo, as the month of February would continue to showcase the team’s earlier struggles. At a record of 6-6 in the month, they would be in the 4th seed of the East at 36-22. Chris Bosh seem to begin to pick up the missing leadership role that went down with Dwyane Wade and would average 25.6 points during the span of the 12 games. It’d be good enough to be named a starter for the All-Star Game.

The team continued to miss Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade as the month of March would showcase even more misfortune on the team. Chris Bosh would have to sit out the remainder of the season as well, but due to an off court issue. He would have a build up of blood clots inside his body, in which if he continued to play, it could’ve been fatal to him. With now 3 starters out for the year, the team couldn’t get better. Paul George would now be the shining star in the bunch, averaging 28.2 points since Westbrook and Wade would go down back in January.

Another year would see the team struggle in the final month of the season, winning only 2 final games of the year in the span of 8. The team would struggle into the 5th Seed of the East with a record of 46-36, with 3 of their 5 starters done for the year, they seem to be one of the least favored teams in the postseason field.

East Standings:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. New York Knicks
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Washington Wizards
5. Miami Heat
6. Milwaukee Bucks
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Atlanta Hawks

West Standings:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Los Angeles Clippers
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Los Angeles Lakers
8. Dallas Mavericks

Game 1 at. Washington Wizards
“Well, the Washington Wizards will pick up the victory here at home to take the 1-0 series lead. Paul George tried his best in getting his team the victory, scoring 37 points but it wasn’t good enough as the Wizards take the 99-82 victory.”

Game 2 at. Washington Wizards
“The Heat were completely bullied here tonight on the boards and in the paint. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins combining for 81 points and 30 rebounds as they blow out the Heat in a 111-80 victory.”

Game 3 vs. Washington Wizards
“The Heat have a chance to tie the game and send it to Overtime or go down to the 3-0 series lead. Down 86-83, they need a 3 pointer to stay alive for tonight. All eyes have to be on Paul George, who has 39 points here tonight. They inbound to Cole first, who quickly gives it over to George. 20 seconds to go, he will stay in isolation. Guarded by Parsons. He gives it over to Gordon who begins to drive and puts up the lay-up...and that’s no good, rebound by Davis, before he is fouled by McRoberts. What in the world was Gordon thinking there? You need to take the 3 or kick it back out, a lay-up does almost little to no good.”

Game 4 vs. Washington Wizards
“The Heat stay alive for at least another day. Avoiding the embarrassing 4-0 sweep here at home, they pick up the 82-75 win in large part to their defense as well as Paul George’s 30 points. They will be heading back to Washington to try to win again. As Coach Spoelstra said after Game 3, you take it one game at a time.”

Game 5 at. Washington Wizards
“Davis backing down McRoberts with almost little to no problem here, and puts it in.”

“Parsons found in the corner, for 3! That’s good!”

“Lowry blows past Cole, and gets the easy lay-up. Up 50-33 now.”

“Cousins blocks Hawes shot! Lowry gets the loose ball and he quickly throws it up court to Parsons, who slams it home!”

“The Washington Wizards guarantee us a new Champion this year. Closing out the Miami Heat in 5 games with a 124-83 victory. The Heat continued their regular season woes here in the postseason as they could’ve used their original starting line up in the series. The Wizards will go onto meet the Chicago Bulls in the second round.”

2015 NBA Finals
New York Knicks def. Oklahoma City Thunder 4-2
FINALS MVP Steph Curry


Author’s Notes:
So I had the original plan of having the team struggle this season as they did when Lebron left them OTL, which is why it was a pretty quick update. Their injury bug also opens up some parity in the East. I kept the year to be the year of Steph Curry who gets his first ring the same year. I had the Thunder lose again in the Finals as maybe Durant leaves just like OTL, only time will tell :p But as always enjoy the season and the offseason will follow soon.
 
New York was
PG- Steph Curry
SG- Lance Stephenson
SF- Matt Barnes
PF- Carmelo Anthony
C- Rudy Gobert

OKC was
PG- Ricky Rubio
SG- Jimmy Butler
SF- Kevin Durant
PF- Josh Smith
C- Kevin Love
 
Ok so, I know on my first post I said I would finish this no matter what, but it looks like this timeline is coming to a close. There's only two seasons left, and to be honest I was going to have Miami regress a little bit more as they are OTL. That being said thanks for all the views/comments/support. But as I stated earlier I do have an idea already planned out for a 2nd NFL Timeline and my 4th overall. I have some things to touch up on the introduction then I'll probably post it, either today or tomorrow. As for this timeline, the final two winners are:
2016- Chicago Bulls def. Memphis Grizzlies 4-3
2017- Golden State Warriors def. Chicago Bulls 4-3

If you have any questions, go ahead and ask, and look for my new timeline :)
 
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