The heat wave dissipates, the flames are about to go out, Miami s ambitions end

Above 30,000 feet, the Miami Heat's chartered flight was carrying hope to cut through the clouds. The ups and downs of the regular season and the gloom of ten consecutive losses were all left behind at this moment. As the first No. 10 seed to break out of the playoffs, they cheered and celebrated in the cabin without even realizing that what they were waiting ahead was the most brutal sweep and defeat in NBA history. When the plane landed in Cleveland, a storm that could overturn the team's fate was quietly brewing.

"I will never forget that flight, and it is because of this that we unrealistically believe in miracles." Eric Spoelstra's voice was full of bitterness. The team was swept out by the Cavaliers with a huge difference of 122 points, setting an NBA record. In Monday's game, the score of 138 to 83 was like a heavy hammer. Peller Larson's three-pointer was only a slight difference in breaking the playoff record, but it completely shattered the Heat's fantasy. After returning to Miami, the coaching staff searched through all the data and tactical plans, but could not find any clues that predicted the disaster. In two games, one was defeated by 37 points and the other was defeated by nearly 55 points. Such a cliff-like collapse made the entire league dumbfounded. During the flight a week ago, Spolstra's blood surging with long-lost passion. He knew more than anyone about the "irrationality" of expectation, but was willing to indulge in it. The playoffs have always been his stage. In the past twenty years, he has led the team to make counterattacks again and again with his exquisite tactical layout and iron-blooded defensive system. But this season's hard work has brought him a completely different feeling - from chanting when he defeated the Atlanta Hawks in the play-offs to the loss of being defeated by the Cavaliers, he re-examined his bond with this team in the most difficult season of his coaching career. Even though he was behind 0-2, he still believed in the Heat's resilience and believed that the iron-blooded will he honed in the playoffs could create miracles. However, the anticipated counterattack never came.

"The qualification to enter the playoffs is a luxury that cannot be bought with money." Spoelstra's words were helpless. Two games before, the Heat still have a glimmer of hope: Taylor Sheero and Bam Adebayo exploded in the fourth quarter, Daveen Mitchell felt hot, and his tactics were smooth enough to find the victory code. But the Cavaliers' sudden force instantly cut off their offensive line. The ball's transmission stagnated, the defense was useless, the conversion and offense were in chaos, and the core combination that once cooperated with the tacit understanding fell apart under the high pressure of the opponent. As Spolstra said, this defeat allowed the team to see the gap with the top teams, and also covered the label of "Heat-style basketball".

This season is destined to be the turning point for the Heat. Jimmy Butler left the team due to a contract extension, and the "Butler era" painstakingly managed by Pat Riley finally came to an end. Against the backdrop of Damian Lillard's serious injury and Kevin Durant's old age, stars such as Zion Williamson and Trae Young entered the transfer market, and Giannis Antetokounmpo became the focus of competition among all teams. How can the Heat break through the turbulent free agent market? Taylor Herro's contract renewal negotiations have become the key - this summer, he can sign a three-year, $150 million contract; if it is postponed until next year, he can get a four-year, $207 million maximum salary. Although Hiro has averaged 23.9 points and 5.5 assists per game this season and was selected as the All-Star for the first time, his sluggish performance in the late playoffs has put the management in a dilemma. Mitchell, who is about to become a free agent, also affects the team's future trend with his highlight defense and organizational skills in the playoffs.

"There will be a big move this summer." Adebayo's words were confident. As a veteran who has personally experienced the finals, he knows Riley's "silver-haired military advisor" style - this team that has entered the finals twice may be facing collapse. Spoelstrá looked at the empty locker room, his heart full of regret: "This story is destined to be remembered because it ended in such a miserable way. But I am proud of the players, who have crossed countless dangerous peaks side by side." Adebayo chose to remember the flight carrying hope. In his opinion, the true meaning of basketball is not only victory or defeat, but also cherishing those precious moments of fighting side by side with his teammates - because no one knows what kind of faces will be in the locker room next season.