NBA: Miami Heat 2010-2011

1. I'm writing this on the same day that Miami lost Game 6 to Dallas in the NBA Finals. I'm still pissed about the entire series. I've always said two things: (a) Miami can win it all if they get out of the east and (b) the better team always wins in a seven-game series. I've always thought Miami was the better team. Waaaaay better. Pissed is probably an understatement.

2. However, I am still calling this season a success. Since "The Decision" I have always thought of this season in terms of level of success at (exits): 1st-Round - End of the World; 2nd-Round - Failure; ECF - Threshold; NBA Finals - Success; Championship - Exceeds Expectations.

3. The Chicago and Boston series was as revelatory as the Dallas series. Early demons have been exorcised from the Boston series, the new kid on the block has been silenced in the Chicago series, and character has been questioned in the Dallas series. I could have never imagined such a polar reaction from people towards Miami in the playoffs. From sportswriters: "Mentally Tough" "Clutch" "Coming Together" "Best Defensive Team" to "Disappearing Act" "Hero Ball" and "Bad Shot Machine"

4. I believe Spoelstra when he said: "We have enough." The Heat really did. For next season, they really don't need to add another game changer. Probably a center and a point who can fill specific roles. But just another year of playing together and we can see the start of the Dynasty. Yep, I called it.

5. The season was such a roller coaster from the 9-8 start to the 22-1 December to getting the second seed, alll the way to the NBA Finals. Kudos to getting through adversity but dangit I'm still pissed.

6. My most notable games of the season:
(1) The Christmas Day Game where my brother lost a bet and he had to run half naked in the street.
(2) The Houston game where the big three all got 30 and 10. Yes, you read that right 30 points and 10 rebounds for each of the big three.
(3) The January Clipper game at Staples. Yes, the Heat lost but I was there. I saw Lebron, Wade, and Bosh play live. I was there.
(4) The Washington game, where they were down I think 12 with less than a minute to go and thinking to myself, "If this is a championship caliber team, they should find a way." I think they won in OT.
(5) Game 4 of the Chicago series. I turned the TV off with three minutes left in the 4th, only to find out later they won.
(6) It wasn't Game 2 of the NBA Finals that the Heat lost control and you can see them unraveling. It was Game 4 that the Heat lost the championship.

7. On to the offseason and next year. Who are the unrestricted free agents anyway?