On to the real ones
blogs.herald.com
All of a sudden, it seems like this whole process is happening very quickly for the Heat.
The struggles seemed to last forever -- or at least a lot longer than anyone would've anticipated -- but the switch was turned on, and now it feels like they've already come out the other side, looking unstoppable and suddenly being a contender again.
The truth is, though, the schedule has allowed the Heat to come together, and now that they have, the truest test of the team's ability will come this month.
The eight game streak gets tested right away with the Hornets at home Monday. New Orleans hasn't exactly been great lately, losing seven of 10, but they have all the ingredients that can still trouble the Heat. Remember Emeka Okafor's career game against Miami last month?
Then after another probable beatdown of the Cavs, it's on to New York, where the Heat defense will be truly tested. The Heat will probably score 120 against the Knicks, but that NY team can get on a roll offensively, and with the Knicks playing well, suddenly that's a high-profile game.
And even before they get to Christmas and the Lakers, LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh have a rematch with the Mavs at home. That same Mavs team that frustrated the Heat so much that it sparked one of the most ballyhooed players-only meeting in the history of players-only meetings.
Now, THAT might be a huge game. If the Heat can extend its winning streak until then, which would put it at 12, the Mavs will very likely be on a 15-game win streak at the time, because they only have home games against the Bucks, Blazers and Suns between now and then. That might end up being bigger than Heat-Lakers.
For now, eight straight wins all by double figures and Wade on his own personal tear is pretty fun to watch. But it only gets more entertaining from here.
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