The History of the Miami Heat | Barry Kornfeld

9/28/21, 10:15 AM

The History of the Miami Heat | Barry Kornfeld | Sports

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The History of the Miami Heat

by Barry Kornfeld | Sep 2, 2021 | Barry Kornfeld, Sports

Every team has a unique history worth lauding. The Miami Heat have had their fair share of wins and have created a legend worth the fan following. The Miami Heat is part of the Eastern Conference Southeast Division and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Key Information The Miami Heat joined the NBA back in 1988 and is currently owned by Micky Arison, while their team president is Pat Riley. As head coach, they have Erik Spoelstra, and Burnie the fireball is their mascot. As for where the Miami Heat plays, they opened their first house, the Miami Arena, on July 13, 1988.

The Miami Heat is like many other NBA teams in that it has a few nicknames. It is often referred to as either The Heat or Miami by fans and newscasters. Fans may not be aware of this endearing fact regarding the team’s name: but it was selected by a fan (Stephanie Freed) following a 1986 contest. https://barrykornfeld.org/the-history-of-the-miami-heat/

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9/28/21, 10:15 AM

The History of the Miami Heat | Barry Kornfeld | Sports

History In its first season, the Miami Heat won fifteen games, which is admittedly not as great as the team had hoped. The following seasons they did better, leading them to an eventual three NBA championship wins. The Heat won its first game on December 14, 1988, against the Clippers. Like many firsts, this is one that went down in The Heat history books.

Thus far, there have been six coaches at the helm of the Miami Heat: Ron Rothstein (19881991), Kevin Loughery (1991-1995), Alvin Gentry (1995), Pat Riley (1995-2003, 2005-2008), Stan Van Gundy (2003-2005), and Erik Spoelstra (2008-present). Erik Spoelstra is one of the favorite coaches for the Miami Heat, as the team won two championships during his time (2012 and 2013). Alternatively, Pat Riley is the only coach to step up on two different occasions, and each time he added new vigor and hope to the team (and fans).

As for the most famous Miami Heat players? There have been several over the years.

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and Glen Rice all graced the court in Miami Heat garb, to name a few. With the addition of these famed players, the team saw a significant uptick in victories, leading them further through the season.

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9/28/21, 10:15 AM

The History of the Miami Heat | Barry Kornfeld | Sports

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