NBA Power Rankings: Golden State Warriors Impress Sans Stephen Curry

May 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra talks to guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra talks to guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

5. Miami Heat (4-3)

For a while there, it didn’t look great for the Miami Heat. After blowing a Game 5 at the AAA, many expected the Hornets to close out the series back in Charlotte in Game 6. But, Dwyane Wade wasn’t going to let that happen.

See the last three minutes of Game 6. And the dude in the purple shirt that’s circulating the internet.

In the way of a 33-point historic Game 7 win, the Heat advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James left the team two years ago. This was also the first playoff series win for Eric Spoelstra without LeBron on the roster. That matters.

But the work isn’t done for Miami yet.

Next: OKC Thunder