Most people didn’t expect the Miami Heat to make the NBA Finals this year.
To be honest, most people didn’t expect the Heat to make the second round of the playoffs this year.
But the Heat are about to return to the Finals on Thursday night and that is a historic achievement.
As noted by CBS Sports, they now hold the most NBA Finals appearances since 2006.
The Heat have now reached the Finals seven times, surpassing the Golden State Warriors who have been there six times, and the Cleveland Cavaliers who have been there five times.
Most NBA Finals Appearances since 2006
HEAT 7
Warriors 6
Cavaliers 5 pic.twitter.com/RtAUCYOL76— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) May 30, 2023
The other teams on this short list are two of the most well-known and celebrated franchises in the modern era, so shouldn’t the Heat be considered one of the best teams of the 21st century too?
Even if they don’t end up winning this year’s Finals, their turnaround in the postseason has been substantial and noteworthy.
They ended the regular season as the No. 8 seed and most people thought they’d be pushed out of the opening round.
They are now only the second No. 8 seed to make the Finals.
They are also the first play-in team to do so.
While all of these accomplishments mean a lot to the Heat, they would pale in comparison to winning a ring.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra has won two Finals and is eager to do it again with this roster.
As for Jimmy Butler, he has yet to win a Finals and his time is starting to run out.
The Heat have already made NBA history with this Finals appearance but they aren’t looking to slow down yet.
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