What started out as an 82-game marathon has turned into a 3-game race to the finish line for the Miami Heat.
With a 38-41 record on their books and on the outside looking in the playoff picture, Miami has now shifted its focus to giving it their all in these final three contests. Heat forward James Johnson is aware that their season has come down to their last three games.
“A three-game season,” Johnson said per Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, “I think that puts things in perspective. I think it's a lot easier to bottle up three games and to know — empty the tank every game.”
The Heat are currently one game behind the eighth seeded Detroit Pistons, which have a 39-40 record. Likewise, they are also still within striking distance from the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic, which both sport an even 40-40 record. Thus, every game matters from this point on.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra also addressed the importance of these next three games. He said that it's important for them to learn to win under pressure, and added that the playoffs begin a week early for Miami.
Heat legend Dwyane Wade also echoed the same sentiments, saying they need to have a playoff mentality in this all-important stretch.
Wade hopes to make one final playoff appearance before calling it a career when their season ends. This alone should serve as the team's primary motivation in making the playoffs.
The gauntlet begins tonight against Toronto Raptors, followed by a Tuesday night matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on the roas. The last of the trilogy should be a bloodbath against the also playoff-seeking Brooklyn Nets on the final day of the regular season.
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