Going Streaking

The Miami Heat have brought some buzz back to the NBA this year, emerging to the forefront to capture the spotlight at a time when college basketball typically reigns supreme. Rattling off a 23-game winning streak (at the time of this blog) has made the casual NBA fan re-engage in the sport. What began as a year that looked to be a 2-horse race (Heat & Thunder) has morphed into a prolonged session of “can anyone stop the Heat?” discussions.

Can anything stop the Heat? Male pattern baldness can... How long will it take LeBron to decide to shave it all?
*Photo courtesy of hairlosshelp.com
(seriously)

Here in our area, the Knicks and Nets are enjoying equally stellar resurgent seasons. However, what should have been a “We’re back” party for the New York Metropolitan Area has turned into a back page story. Early season feelings of “This could be our year” have been replaced by the frustration of considering how anyone will compete with Miami in the next few years.

To illustrate the degree to which the Heat have captured the spotlight, the Denver Nuggets have won 13 in a row with a much less impressive roster – and not many people even know. **Seriously, you have 5 seconds to name the best player on the Denver Nuggets without doing a Google search. Go!**

Without further ado, some random commentary/banter on “The Streak”

By The Numbers

The Heat have more wins during their streak than 8 teams had for the entire lockout-shortened year last year (Raptors, Nets, Cavs, Wizards, Bobcats, Warriors, Kings, Hornets).

They have more than doubled the win total of 11 teams in the league.

After 33 games, the Atlanta Hawks were 20-13. The Miami Heat were 1 game back at 19-14.

At the current moment (23 games into the winning streak), the Heat have a 15.5 game lead on Atlanta, who has played .500 ball during that time (17-17).

It didn't take Miami long to surpass the "immortal" Michael Jordan. Miami surpassed Charlotte's 2011-12 win total 15 days into this season (quotes & sarcasm intended).
*Photo courtesy of thesportsbank.net

Comparisons

Among the first things that come to mind when one hears “streak” are Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, and UCLA’s 88 game college basketball winning streak. To date, the Heat do not even own the longest streak in their sport (incredibly) so the comparisons are not there yet. However, the fact that they are 10 games shy of the NBA record in today’s NBA (where minimal importance is placed on mid-week “ho-hum” games by most teams) is impressive. If Miami ends up setting the NBA record, it will be among the greatest (and most untouchable) streaks of all-time.

Outlook

Miami had quite the test last night in securing #23 (trailing late into the 4^th quarter). Miami should win their next 6 games (putting them at #29) before they tackle the Spurs. If they are able to get past San Antonio, they should continue their run with 5 more wins prior to playing the Celtics.

The unmentioned reality is that once the playoffs start, streaks mean very little with respect to the ultimate goal. It is much easier for Miami to maintain the streak while playing routine midweek games as part of an expansive schedule. Come playoff time, the other team can focus on you each and every night. Assuredly, the Heat will drop some games in the playoffs….even in the Eastern Conference.

However, don’t expect them to even remotely get tested until the NBA finals. Unfortunately for the fans of some of the Eastern Conference emergent teams (Pacers, Knicks, Nets) there is no one in the East who can come close to matching up.

Wish I didn't have to look at this again.....But unfortunately I will. They will not even be tested until the NBA Finals.
*Photo courtesy of successmediasolutions.com 

As much as it pains me (because I love to root for the underdog), it looks like title #2 for the Wade-LeBron-Bosh triad. 

As for the NBA record? YES....Expect them to exceed the Lakers' mark of 33 straight.