Once upon a time, a few months ago, in the 2019- 2020 NBA season the Miami Heat had a run that took the league by surprise. The Miami heat climbed out of the Eastern conference with a relatively young core of rag tag players to the Finals. Miami was headed by the controversial Jimmy Butler, supported by role players, and had strategy provided by Erik Spoelstra. Both Butler and Spoelstra both had disappointing runs throughout their previous years leading up to the Butler Trade into the 2019 season. Butler had a rough start to the league. Earning a reputation to be difficult to work with, self-isolating and hard to work with. He bounced around the league with the 76’s and pistons and left both organizations with a bad taste in their mouths. The media called him a “diva” and said he had isolating tendencies. However recently there has been evidence that it was those respective organizations that were the source of the problems. However, once he reached the Heat, he took charge of the young core and mentored them.
No one expected the Heat to make it out of the eastern conference to the Finals especially after facing tough competition like the Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks who had established systems and stars. The Heat were the underdogs of the NBA with an exciting story, full of high stakes and more. While the Heat took the world by storm, they ultimately met their match. Three of their star players Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Dragic were injured heading into other finals.
First, let’s examine, why do we love the underdog story? This is a question that applies both in sports and in fairy tales. Fairy tale writers often use the word “little” in front of each of protagonists’ names. For example, little red, the little mermaid. In some form or another the protagonist is belittled. This can also be seen in Cinderella as the main character is ridiculed for simply existing by her mothers and stepsister’s. The key to the reader is that she is underserving of the conditions brought towards her. She must both overcome her status as “little” and overcome the trials of her family. Part of what makes that story magical is the transformation from a life of suffering and misfortune to a new beginning and happy ending.
Psychologically people find similarities to the underdog story because we all at one point have been the “youngest” ort weakest before. There is a level of similarity we can identify with. The psychology of the imposter syndrome can also insight to how being “little” can feel.
The last time the heat had made it to the finals was in 2014. Between the 2010 and 2014 finals run the Heat assembled a “Big Three” comprised of Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh that dominated the league. Following the Lebron departure the team had a restructuring period. In the next few seasons, the other two members of the group also retired. Following an underwhelming 2016 season, they drafted Bam Adebayo in the first-round draft. In 2017 the heat had a brief hint of brilliance as Wade, Dragic and Bam had a solid run.
In the 2019-2020 season the Heat signed All start Jimmy Butler and drafted Tyler hero. Buter and Bam both became all stars. They also acquired Jae Crowder and Andre Igoudala. They also gained the undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn and Second Year Duncan Robinson. This was the core team. In the brief regular season, the team went on a 44 and 29 a respectable placing on the way to the finals.
The league favorite for the eastern conference was the Boston Celtics who were led by Jason Tatum however the role players stepped up. Tyler Herro played unprecedently well making history as the youngest player to ever score a triple double in the playoffs ever. Role players like Kelly Olynyk and Kendrick Nunn were essential in scoring quick buckets and the team as a unit was more cohesive than many of the other teams with depth. The narrative of the league quickly became that the Heat were on a role as a Cinderella team.
Heading into the finals the Heat were optimistic. However quickly in the first game the three stars of the team Bam, Dragic and Butler were out. The Heat were outclassed and struggled on defense. Without their stars they were disjointed and uncoordinated. While Butler returned in the 3rd game his incredible spark was not enough to carry the team to victory. The role players like Herro and Olynyk failed to return to their old glory and the team was shut out in 2-6 against the Lakers. The Lakers were dominant playing some of the best of the basketball they had played.
For many fans of the NBA following the Heat was very interesting. The journey for an unexpected team making it to the finals was thrilling. Marketing companies capitalized on this and there was a buzz round the league. Regardless of how well the team did the Heat struck a chord in the league, reaffirming their place as a contending team. Now with rumors of a trade between the Heat and Rockets for James Harden, making sure they will be a contending team for the future.
