HEAT WAVE

Josh Richardson, Erik Spolestra & James Johnson

One of the biggest turnarounds this season belongs to the Miami Heat. The Heat started off the season 11-30 and since then have gone 25-8. They are now one game ahead of the Bulls for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. It's been a collective effort from this Heat bunch. It seems at different points during this turnaround there are different players stepping up each night. One of the biggest surprises has been Dion Waiters, who's currently out with a sprained left ankle. He's found some stability within the Heat's rotation and is a big part of what they do on the offensive end.

With eight games left to go in the regular season for Miami there's no room for let up. They still have to face the Cavaliers, Raptors, and Wizards to end the season. If the Heat can find themselves in the playoffs Erik Spolestra deserves consideration for Coach of the Year. The injury bug has been in Miami throughout the entire season causing Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Josh Richardson, and Tyler Johnson to miss time. Let's not forget that second year player Justise Winslow has been out since the earlier part of the season.

Maybe Spolestra can start getting the credit he deserves as a head coach. During the run with the big three Spolestra wasn't really given the credit he deserved because of the roster he had. If there's anyone still doubting him as a coach, this season should remove any concerns. This is one tough team down in Miami and they won't be an easy out if they're able to make the playoffs. They play well collectively and are solid defensively. This is a team to keep your eye coming down the stretch of the regular season.