EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS:
(2) MIAMI HEAT vs. (4) BOSTON CELTICS
The Celtics will have their hands full stopping the Lebron and Dewayne show and with homecourt advantage in Miami’s back pocket, Kevin Garnett and crew will have to win in Miami if they want a chance at making the NBA finals.
The Heat had a tough battle on their hands with the Pacers after going down 2-1, but they eventually came storming back to win three games in a row to set up the conference final matchup with Boston. The Celtics went seven games with the 76ers before finally finishing them off in Beantown.
MIAMI HEAT
The Miami Heat may be relatively young by NBA standards, but the squad has experienced an undisputed run of success since entering the league in 1988. The Heat have made the playoffs 15 times during their history, captured eight division crowns and brought the NBA title home to the city of Miami in an impressive run during the 2005-06 season.
Most will agree that the franchise became true postseason contenders when they hired Hall of Fame Coach Pat Riley in 1994. A former coach for The New York Knicks, Riley began building a team behind the strength of center Alonzo Mourning, guard Tim Hardaway and power forward P.J. Brown.
The Heat made the conference finals for the first time in 1997 after dispatching the Orlando Magic and the Knicks during the first two rounds. Unfortunately, the organization lost to the world-class Chicago Bulls in five games.
In 2006, the ball club brought the NBA title to the city of Miami for the first time, as the squad outmatched the Dallas Mavericks in six games. The Heat enjoyed fabulous play from point guard Dwayne Wade, center Shaquille O'Neal and the old vet Alonzo Mourning, who was finally able to win a championship with his old team. The squad would later return to the NBA Finals during the 2010-11 season, but this time the script was flipped and the Mavericks triumphed in six games.
See also:
NBA Finals tickets
Miami Heat tickets
NBA All-Star Weekend tickets
NBA tickets