How The Heat Can Win It All In 2012, And Beyond

Miami's big 3 wasn't enough in 2011, can they improve for 2012 and beyond?

Depending on your affiliation, you are likely still thrilled or devastated by the Dallas Maverick's shocking victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.  Whether you are basking in the glory of seeing Lebron James struggle on the biggest stage of his career, or still recovering from the letdown of what once seemed a guaranteed championship , know one thing... the Heat are here to stay.  Like it or not, we are looking at a team poised to contend, as they said themselves, for multiple championships.  But how can Miami improve their chances of winning it all in the upcoming seasons?  Their options may be limited, but here's where they need to start.

Turning Down the Heat

Arguably no team has improved as much as the Miami Heat have this season.  After starting the season slowly with losses to Utah, New Orleans, Boston (twice), Memphis, Indiana and Orlando, the Heat have gone 29-8 with victories over the Lakers, Jazz, Hornets, Knicks, and Thunder.  To many, the Heat have already established themselves as a legitimate title contender.  To others, however, there resume has one glaring weakness... they can't beat the Boston Celtics.  Three times the Heat have taken on the defending Eastern Conference champs, and three times LeBron and Co. have walked away without a win.  Now the Miami Heat need to figure out how to best the original Big 3 come playoff time, or watch the NBA finals on TV.  The problem is, if Boston is healthy, I'm not sure if they can do it.

With Miller Back, the Heat May Be More Dangerous Than Ever

Miller (13) and Big Z (11)

Mike Miller has missed the vast majority of the season due to a thumb injury he received early in the year.  After a somewhat rocky start, the Miami Heat have gelled into one of the NBA's most dangerous teams without him.  Now, at 31-13 (and after some minor injuries to Bosh, Wade and LeBron), the Heat are getting healthier and are poised to make a big run in the second half of the season.  Miller's health, however, may be the surprising determining factor in the Heat's championship aspirations.

Dunk of the Week

Although we've already had this weeks "Dunk of the Week", I couldn't wait to post this one.  LeBron haters oughta love this

LeBron Drops 27 as Heat Spoil Christmas in LA

The Miami Heat marched into Los Angeles Saturday night for a Christmas matchup against the defending champion Lakers.  It was the Lakers, however, that did not show up.  LeBron James lead his team to a 96-80 victory with a dominating 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 3rd triple double with his new team.  Chris Bosh had 24 points and a hobbled Dwyane Wade added 18 points.   More importantly, the Heat played steller defense and made the Lakers look old and slow.  

Although both teams dismissed the pregame hype as simply "television curiosity", it is hard to believe it doesn't mean more to James and Co.  The Heat have now won 14 of their last 15 games, including victories over the Knicks, Suns, Hornets, Jazz and now Lakers.  If the Heat finish December strong with wins against the Knicks and Rockets, they will be 16-1 for the month, and barely behind Boston for the best record in the East.  With Mike Miller getting healthier by the day and with the possible return of Udonis Haslem, the Heat may just be the team they thought they would be.