Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Thanks to a quick first round series, the Miami Heat are now enjoying a lengthy layoff from playoff action. While this break has allowed the Heat to have some much-needed rest, it has also disrupted the postseason action, not only for the team but also for the fans.
Miami unsurprisingly became the first team to finish their first round series. At the expense of the Milwaukee Bucks, the reigning NBA champions did not waste any time disposing of their inferior opponents in a clean sweep. Winning a postseason series in just four games is something that the Heat had never done under the Big Three era, but they have now added that to a long list of achievements in a record-breaking season.
With an ailing Dwyane Wade, the Heat will take all the rest they can get in order to give him time to treat his bruised knee. LeBron James has already expressed that he is ready to go and this long of a break is not something he enjoys. When the postseason rolls around, you can generally notice a significant change in LeBron. He is more focused, determined and tunes everything else out. This layoff is not something he appreciates.
While you can see positives and negatives in the prolonged break as it regards to the Heat, you can hardly argue that this is not a tough time for Miami fans. Not only are there no games to watch, but there are practically no stories to cover either. Other than Wade’s status, discussions of facial hair and gauging the players’ boredom meters, there are few things that currently entertain Miami fans.
This has naturally disrupted the playoff atmosphere in Miami, but on Monday the Heat will resume their journey to a championship and will reignite the postseason flame.
Vytis is a Miami Heat and NBA columnist for RantSports. You can follow him on Twitter here: @VytisLasaitis
