Sir Charles in Charge
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Miami Heat: It’s getting chilly leading up to the All-Star break

By Trey Flynn

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat leads teammates in a huddle before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Arena on February 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat leads teammates in a huddle before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Arena on February 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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After hitting their stride a few weeks ago, the Miami Heat are struggling at the NBA All-Star break

The Miami Heat were leading the Philadelphia 76ers by 23 points at halftime during an aggressive game this past Valentine’s day night.

Miami ended up losing by two points down the stretch in a gut-wrenching performance.

At the NBA’s All-Star break, the Heat are 30-28 and sitting in the 8th seed.

There isn’t an answer for Eric Spoelstra and Pat Riley right now.

Thus far, the addition of players like Dwyane Wade and Luke Babbitt have helped the organization from a morale and financial standpoint. Not on the court, though.

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Although, the All-Star break may just be what this Heat team needs.

The Heat have the second lowest scoring totals in the second half during this 2017-18 regular season, only beating out the Memphis Grizzlies. Losing games during the waning minutes over the past few years isn’t something new for Miami.

Not a Wayne Ellington pun, those are soon to come.

The Heat have been astonishingly close to hitting the third seed in the East over the past few months.

Moreover, just like the 2016-17 NBA season, they seem to struggle when it comes down to the wire.

Miami was one game back in the standings from the third-seeded LeBron James Cavaliers on January 31st, 2017. Only sixteen days later, Miami quickly fell to the eighth seed in the East.

At times, teams who fight with grit and passion during the first half of a season can hit a wall. Unfortunately for the Heat, that wall has felt impenetrable for almost two seasons.

This wall consisted of seven losses over an eight game stretch after the 104-102 loss to the Sixers headed into All-Star break.

Desperately needing continuity and consistency down the stretch, Miami Heat fans (through several Twitter rants) have collectively decided they need a glue to bring them together to solve their issues.

Possible options thus far: All-Star Goran Dragic, future Hall of Fame legend Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat culture enthusiast Udonis Haslem, or even fan-favorite Burnie the Mascot.

Eric Spoelstra argues that Miami doesn’t necessarily need an individual to glue this team together, and possibly that the wall is a mental lapse.

"[via Miami Herald]“I like our team. I think we’re a very good team. We have great potential, I think we have great upside. We’re closer than it looks right now but that’s our margin of error also. We’re built different than some of the top teams in both conferences. We have to play to an identity consistently. We need multiple contributors in the same game. That’s just how we’re built. We capable of getting over this hump and I believe we will.”"

Spoelstra himself may be the glue, maybe he’s always been.

Things may be looking up for the Miami Heat post All-Star break, they have 25 regular season games left in the season – 15 being at home.

Goran Dragic will be entering his first All-Star game with some much needed confidence, Wayne Ellington will be Wayning 3-pointers at the largest 3-point contest in the world, and Dwyane Wade can get readjusted in Dade (Wade) county.

Wayne pun activated.

With the stress Miami has been through in recent months, heck, maybe even seasons; The Heat trust in themselves to never use the word “quit.”

Must Read: NBA: 4 things to watch for during the 2018 All-Star weekend

Who knows, Miami may need some sunscreen soon.

I’m assuming you ask Eric Spoelstra that question and you’d get a half crooked smile with a sly answer back, “you’ll need SPF 30.”

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