Alright yall. It's yo boy beastleyBLVD here, and I just wanna make this quick.
People thinking this series is already over are crazy. I know, last night was a horrible chokejob but trust me on this one -- this Heat team has been against adversity all season long. I got no doubt we'll bounce back from all of this.
I'll admit that i'm one of those who overreacted after the game but it was more of me needing to cool off. Im sure everyone last night was pissed off.
Now speaking of us fans pissed off, could you only imagine how LeBron and D-Wade's feeling right now? They'll get their revenge pretty soon. I dont view Chris Bosh's mentality as tough as Wade's and LeBron's, but I do think the big guy is due for a big game. Either way, I have a feeling they'll absolutely go apeshit in Game 3 and for the rest of the series. Keep in mind, Miami hasn't lost consecutively thus far in the playoffs. You could argue that this stat means nothing since we were also undefeated before last night's collapse at home - but to me, this shows more of our character that we're more than capable of bouncing back mightily whether we're on the road or at home.
The Heat outplayed the Mavericks for 89 consecutive minutes before a 7-minute meltdown. Some of you would actually think those 89 minutes doesn't mean jack since the series is tied 1-1 anyways, but that sample size actually means something. We know Miami has already shown they are capable of outplaying the Mavs. There's NO saying they can't again in the upcoming days. So to rule them out this early is foolish. The Heat simply need to focus, move on, and be more mentally tough. More on that in the upcoming paragraphs.
You could say im only making an excuse but Game 2 might end up being a blessing in disguise and the final wake-up call we need moving on forward. I know it sucks thinking about what happened in that game right now but hey, look at the big picture. IF we still end up winning it all, looking back into this game will make victory even better and sweeter. We saw a glimpse of the old unorganized Heat last night and I can guarantee you it's the last time we'll see that lazy and careless version of the team. I give 100% credit to Dallas and tip my hat to them. They came in to our house and stole one. Now we have our chance to do the same to them.
And call me crazy - but what if Miami steals all 3 games in Dallas and win it all in 5? Okay, maybe i'm reaching way too far but you never know. Imma tell you this: if there's one team that can do it, it's the Heat. As much as they can disappoint and surprise us with negative showings, they can leave us drooling in amazement of accomplishing things beyond our basic imagination. Be honest, if I told you after getting blown out by Chicago back in Game 1 that the Bulls will never sniff a win again and the Heat will win 4 straight, you'd call me crazy. But the Heat did accomplish such thing. Granted, Chicago's different to Dallas - but to be honest, I think Miami's losses so far had to do more of them beating themselves than the opponent outplaying us. I feel no one else can prevent the Heat winning a title other than themselves and their egos. That's how good this team is. Unfortunately, egos cost the Heat game 2. LeBron tried too hard being a hero. The Heat needs to limit all the "hero balls" and avoid that at all costs. Now it's a matter of focusing, grinding, and staying humble and hungry. We need to stay mentally focused whether we're up or down. You can't win easily. You don't win championships without experiencing obstacles. Like what coach Spoey keeps saying, it's always gonna be a grind every game.
As NBA History indicates, whenever teams split the first two games in the current Finals format, the winner of game 3 goes on to win the championship 100% of the time. But seeing this year's playoffs, I don't think anything's safe. Anything crazy can happen anytime.
Personally, I would be happy if we can get one or two out of three from the Dallas trip. Winning only one will mean the series shifts back to Miami with the Mavs holding a 3-2 lead, so the Heat need to sweep the remaining two games at South Beach in order to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Meanwhile, stealing two on the road will give Miami a 3-2 lead and two chances of finishing them off in the triple A. Winning all three, as previously stated, will give Miami the championship.
I just find it funny how people hate on the Heat like they're a group of ex-convicts or something. Even funnier, most of these people are fans of teams who were already eliminated and are only watching the Finals in their couches at home. To see Miami win it all will be great to shut these haters up.
This is Miami's final test. If you look at it, people are acting like Dallas is up 3-0 but we're actually tied 1-1. I'll be captain obvious here for a minute: There's only 5 more games and the first team to 3 wins will win the championship. Both Miami and Dallas can only afford to lose 2 games maximum in the next five. So the 7-game series shrinks to a 5-game series. Only difference is, Dallas has homecourt advantage this time. But im sure we all know by now how great of a road team Miami is. Let's not count the Heat out yet.
Michael Jordan won his first title about 20 years ago. The Bulls had homecourt advantage but split the first two games with the Lakers. Heading to Los Angeles in a 2-3-2 format, Chicago won all 3 road games and won the championship 4-1. Did they panic after the first two games? No.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers also had Finals homecourt advantage last year against the Celtics. Boston came in and stole a game in LA, resulting to a 1-1 tie as the series went east to Boston. The Lakers responded by taking Game 3, but the Celtics managed to win Games 4 and 5, thus holding a 3-2 lead going back to LA. Down 3-2, the Lakers eventually overcame adversity and won the final two games on their way to the championship. Did they panic? No.
When it's all said and done, Dwyane Wade has taught me how to never ever give up on a Heat team as long as he's here at full strength. 2006 was definitely much more different than the current time right now, and you'll expect Dirk will actually be hungrier seeking for revenge, but to me - Wade will always have one edge few NBA players possess; and it's having a steel heart of a champion. He'll never let his team go out like this. Trust me.
Miami needs to erase everything in regards to game 2 with the exception of learning how the players need to keep pushing until the final buzzer sounds avoiding complacency and look on to the future battles ahead. They can't afford to look back at the side view mirror and say "Damn, wish we won Game 2 since it's easier" and express regret. Instead, they need to look at the windshield and say "Fuck Game 2. We've learned our mistakes. We're still winnin' this series!" and act like true warriors who don't dwell on the past and remain confident. No pain, no gain. Hopefully, that collapse was the final learning experience the Heat needs before reaching ultimate success. We can't afford to have any more of that. This is the Finals where you play in a grown man's league. There's little room for errors and mistakes. Dallas is way too dangerous for the Heat (or any team for that matter) to sleep on. Again, respect to the Mavs. Hopefully all of these will only make Miami stronger in the long run and help them reach the promised land.
The only negative thing is, Dallas now has all the confidence in the world after that brutal Heat loss and know that if they win all of their home games, they win the championship. They stole momentum and it will definitely help boost their mindsets.
There are plenty of great comebacks in the history of the NBA, but I really believe that the verdict on Game 2 is yet to be determined. If Dallas ends up winning, it'll be acknowledged as one, if not, the best momentum-shifting game in NBA Finals history since they did it against a team featuring LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. Meanwhile, if Miami ends up winning, all of this will be forgotten quickly and Heatles nation will rejoice in joy. It would only be considered as a fluke game and will be quickly erased from all of our minds. Here's hoping the second scenario ends up happening.
To sum up everything I wrote, I still have faith and I still believe when it's all said and done, we'll witness a parade down in Biscayne BLVD, and there's no reason you can't think the same way as I am right now. The Heat started the season interacting with soldiers who display hard work and dedication in fighting for victory in a military base, and I have absolutely no doubt that the Heat, just like a soldier who displays hard work and dedication in fighting for victory in a military base, will end their season and come out on top. Never stop believing Heat fam. Let's go Heat!
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