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NBA: Three East Teams That Need A Post All-Star Break Turnaround

By Chance Collins

Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to call in the second half against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to call in the second half against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) waits to enter the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Magic won 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) waits to enter the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Magic won 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat (11th in Eastern Conference) 

A 13-game win streak, winning 14 of the last 16, and yet on another playoff run, all resting on the shoulders on Dion Waters, James Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside. While the latter was expected to yield some big play results after signing the max deal in the offseason, clutch shooting and Six Man of The Year was hardly expected from the formers. This has been the Miami Heat since the turn of the new year, and all without long-time Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Miami Heat
Miami Heat /

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are playing good basketball right now, James Johnson represents a low-budget LeBron James with the way he can handle the ball effectively running the offense and on the other end he has the ability to match up with every position on the floor.

Waiters became known as “Mr. Big Shot” in the month of January with clutch baskets to win a game against the Warriors and a dagger to seal the game against the Nets.

No Wade and no Chris Bosh, but coach Erik Spoelstra continues to develop this young Miami Heat team. Spoelstra is also without veteran Josh McRoberts, and second-year players Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow. The Heat’s impressive start to the new year is something to brag about, but the defensive tenacity is next to none, the Heat have one of the best defenses in the league, giving up only 106.7 points per game (6th of 30, Def Rtg.) per 100 possessions.

Out of the three teams who can turn around their season for a chance at the postseason, Miami may have the toughest road to follow. They must face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors three times each, the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks twice and sprinkle in the hot Boston Celtics.

With key pieces returning from injury and a cast of “some guys,” the Heat have everything to gain down the stretch and not anything to lose since this year was to be looked at as a let’s see what we have on the roster type of year.

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