The Miami Heat came up 4 points short of reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. Jimmy Butler did all he could to push the Heat past the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a gritty 35-point effort. But the Celtics ultimately earned the win.
However, Miami played well considering the circumstances. They dealt with injuries all series long to star players such as Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, and even Jimmy Butler. One has to wonder how far they could have gone with a fully healthy team.
Nonetheless, the Heat are now forced to focus on re-tooling in preparation for the 2022-2023 season. And they very well could be the team to beat next season despite not making the Finals this year.
3 Reasons Heat will make Finals Next year
Jimmy Butler's Motivation
Jimmy Butler will be more motivated than ever to win next season. He led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2020 and almost did it again in 2022. But the Heat have yet to win an NBA Championship under Butler's lead.
He performed admirably in Games 6 and 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. Butler scored over 40 points en route to a Heat road win in Game 6, before scoring 35 points in 48 minutes in Game 7's defeat.
But Jimmy Butler understands what it takes to win. He knows that it's a full team effort and will be more than prepared to help Miami take the next step next year.
There is nothing more dangerous in sports than a motivated superstar.
Heat's Weaknesses Exposed
Wait, wouldn't this be a bad thing?
The Heat's weaknesses were exposed during the postseason. The Celtics were bigger and stronger and were able to out-rebound them for the majority of the series. And yet, Miami still almost won.
Miami's front office is not going to be shy about spending money this offseason. They will likely look to add rebound threats who can help them control the boards. A few more rebounds in Game 7 could have led to a victory for the Heat.
Also, Miami's lack of depth was concerning in the East Finals. Their lack of help around Butler and Bam Adebayo led to the Heat having to overuse their stars. Other than Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo, Miami would benefit from strengthening their overall depth.
Would adding another star to compliment the Butler-Adebayo-Kyle Lowry tri0 help? Absolutely.
But the Heat are already on the verge of being an elite team. They just need a few depth pieces to help them reach the next level.
The Spoelstra Effect
Erik Spoelstra has been in the Miami Heat organization since 1997. He worked as an assistant coach from 1997-2008 before taking over as head coach for the 2008-2009 campaign, and he has led Miami ever since.
Since taking over as head coach, Spoelstra has led the Heat to 5 NBA Finals appearances and 2 NBA championships. Sure, the two championships are impressive. But it is the big game losses that stand out.
Erik Spoelstra knows how to bounce back from adversity. He understands what it takes for a team to stay competitive despite losing in the playoffs. His effect on the Heat next season will be nothing short of crucial.
The Miami Heat are going to be poised for an NBA Finals run in 2022-2023 with Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler leading the charge.