Certainly, the 2010-2011 Miami Heat season did not end as well as the 2005-2006 season. However, it may have been the most memorable. The first year of the “Big Three” will definitely be memorable in the Heat’s history.

The Miami Heat’s LeBron James.
Wikimedia Commons

Moment #1. The Press Conference of the Big Three

The acquisitions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh and the return of Dwyane Wade brought these All-Stars to the Miami Heat. A press conference that was described as a “welcome party” brought out 13,000 fans to the American Airlines Arena to celebrate with the star acquisitions. Was this the moment that sealed the hatred of the other NBA teams and their fans?

Moment #2. The first regular season game of the Big Three

Arguably the most anticipated opener in Miami Heat history, the Miami Heat opened on the road against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. Losing 88-80, the Miami Heat were led by LeBron James’ 31 points and 8 rebounds. The rest of the team brought limited contributions as Dwyane Wade was the only other Heat player in double figures with 13 points.

Moment #3. Big Three 30 Point Double Doubles

On March 27^th, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James each had at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in the same game. The Heat were able to beat the Houston Rockets, 125-119, extending the team’s winning streak to six games. That had been the longest winning streak since the All-Star break.

Moment #4. Christmas Day in Los Angeles

During the NBA regular season, there may be no more anticipated regular season game, especially by the casual fans, than Christmas Day. These games usually are marquee matchups, and the Miami Heat and the defending NBA Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, could not have been more anticipated. The Heat were able to win the game, 96-80, with Lebron James leading the team with a triple-double, ending with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Moment #5. Punching a Ticket to the NBA Finals

The Miami Heat were able to score a huge comeback win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals to beat the Chicago Bulls, 83-80, at Chicago’s United Center. The Heat won the series, 4 games to 1, and advanced to their first Finals appearance since the 2005-2006 season.

Edwin Alexander has been following the Miami Heat since their introduction to the NBA in the 1988-1989 season. He has attended many home games since and follows the team as one of his hobbies.

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MIAMI (AP)—A season ago, it was all different for the Miami Heat.

The team needed a police escort to their annual media day in 2010, with
security lurking around just about every hallway inside the facility. Reporters
from four continents showed up. Press conferences to start the year were held in
a cavernous auditorium at the University of Miami.

On Monday, it was business as usual for the Heat. There’s less of a circus
atmosphere around the team, and for that, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris
Bosh are thankful.

Still, expectations remain sky-high. Bosh noted on Monday that “there’s
nothing left for us to do” but get back to the NBA finals and win them this
time.

By SportsDirect

POSTED: 6:40 am MST December 5, 2011