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The Miami Heat really blew it.
No, not their season (though they did sort of blow that, too — but hey, their best player was injured).
Instead, it was something much bigger than that. Namely, a Finals streak that had featured either the Heat or the Golden State Warriors every season, but one, since 2010, as relayed by Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
That’s 12 out of 13 years. But we can forget about making it 13 out of 14 after the Jimmy Butler-less Heat were eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
And you could even say that the Heat didn’t blow it nearly as much as the Warriors, who couldn’t even make the playoffs. They were instead blown out by the Sacramento Kings in a play-in game, after finishing with the 10th-best record out West.
Anyway, the only other time that the Warriors or Heat didn’t appear in the Finals (again, since 2010), the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns. That was in 2021.
Since 2010, the Warriors have appeared in the Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. Meanwhile, the Heat went in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and of course, last season, when they lost to the Denver Nuggets.
All that, and yet the Warriors and the Heat have never played each other in the Finals. Maybe next year, right?
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Heat Predicted To Stun Fanbase By Landing $153 Million All-Star In Win-Now Blockbuster Trade
Giving Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro an opportunity to lead the Miami Heat appears the most likely outcome for the 2025-2026 season. However, the right opportunity arising at February's trade deadline could always shift an organization's plans. The Los Angeles Clippers have the league's oldest roster, led by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and more, so there's no telling how much next year will play out for them. It's possible all of the veteran stars thrive together, or the Clippers could fall completely out of title contention due to injuries and inconsistency. If the latter takes place, PFSN predicts the Heat could swoop in and acquire Leonard in a win-now blockbuster trade. The six-time All-Star has two seasons remaining on his three-year, $153 million contract, which is ideal for Miami's front office. It would give the Heat a few seasons to contend with a trio of Herro, Adebayo, and Leonard before money comes off the books for what is projected to be a loaded 2027 free agency class. Los Angeles trading Leonard would signal a rebuild is on the horizon, so the likes of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and draft capital could play a part in this scenario. One obstacle to this deal occurring is the Heat are often stubborn about how many assets are given up, so it's much more likely Leonard finishes out his rollercoaster career in L.A. or elsewhere. Miami Heat Moderately Rated In ESPN's Latest Free Agency Power Rankings Miami Heat Star Viewed As Biggest Building Block For Future
Significant concern emerges for Bengals, Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals defense has stepped up its game in training camp this summer, and it's giving the coaching staff some pause about Joe Burrow's protection. The Bengals were tied with the New York Giants giving up the 11th most sacks in the league last year (48). Given Burrow's importance to the team and long injury history dating back to his time at LSU, Cincinnati needs to see improvement from the offensive line. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the Bengals' depth on the offensive line is a concern at training camp. During one practice, backups Cody Ford and Devin Cochran were seen getting first-team reps while starting right tackle Amarius Mims was sidelined dealing with a hand injury. But it's not just the backups that are a worry. Cincinnati is expected to give third-round rookie Dylan Fairchild the starting job at left guard. "On top of concern regarding rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild, currently the leader in the clubhouse to start at left guard, the cast of question marks lacking experience, floating behind the starting tackles, is startling," Dehner wrote. "If the Bengals had to play Cleveland this Sunday without Mims, they couldn’t tell you who would hold down the starting spot. "Meanwhile, the Bengals’ defensive line consistently produced disruptive reps, and they are a group lacking historically potent pass rushers in their own right...The Bengals just feel notably weak and inexperienced. When the rest of the offense is so stacked with talent, and the history of the performance in front of Burrow being what it is, that’s hard to look past right now." The Bengals decided to spend their money on pass catchers for Burrow. Given the results of the offense last season, it's easy to understand why Cincinnati wants Burrow to deliver the ball to exceptional athletes. The risk is that Burrow won't hold up behind an offensive line that is lacking investment. If injuries pile up during the regular season, it's a concern that will only increase.
Tottenham Hotspur star announces unexpected departure
In a summer already marked by high drama in the soccer world, Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-min Son has delivered a stunning announcement: he will leave the club this summer after more than a decade of service. The 33-year-old forward confirmed his decision during an emotional press conference ahead of Tottenham’s preseason friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul. This match may now serve as his farewell appearance for the club. Spurs head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Son will start and captain the side in Sunday’s game. "I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision," said Son. "It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision. "I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change — 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man. "I want to say thank you to all the Spurs fans for giving me so much love. I hope the goodbye is also good timing and this is the right time to make that decision. I hope everyone can accept that and respect that." Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and has since made 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals, sitting fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list. His final competitive outing is likely to remain the Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, offering a storybook ending to a glittering career in north London. The South Korean revealed he made the decision some time ago, informing only a few teammates before speaking with Frank ahead of preseason. Son is reportedly exploring a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with Los Angeles FC emerging as a leading contender. Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs also persists. He now becomes the latest high-profile departure at Spurs following Harry Kane’s 2023 transfer to Bayern Munich, as the club enters a new era under Frank, who joined from Brentford earlier this summer.
Red Sox having fun at home as Royals come to Fenway
The Boston Red Sox will have plenty of momentum and a rested bullpen when they open a three-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals on Monday. Boston completed a three-game sweep by beating the visiting Houston Astros 6-1 on Sunday, running its winning streak to five games. The Red Sox have registered seven victories in their past eight games overall. "I feel like we're kind of figuring out our identity a little bit," Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder said. "Guys are settling into their roles. The trade deadline has passed and it's go time." Center fielder/second baseman Ceddanne Rafaela added: "Our mindset is not only on the Yankees, it's just playing good baseball and trying to win the division." Boston has won its past five home games. The Red Sox are 12-1 in their last 13 home contests, and they own a 37-21 record at Fenway Park this season, the third-highest home win total in the majors. "We're much better than the last two years," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "We're healthier. ... We have a complete team. Guys are playing with an edge now. You can tell. Like I said, this place (Fenway Park) -- it's fun. It's fun again. "We just have to continue. Kansas City is playing good baseball. We have to show up (Monday) and try to win a game." Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito pitched a season-high eight innings and limited Houston to one run on three hits during the Sunday win. "Between him and (Brayan) Bello, they're doing an outstanding job," Cora said. "So we have capable guys who can go out there and compete. ... We trust our guys. All of them -- Bello, Gio and obviously (Garrett) Crochet has been amazing the last two months." Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA) is Boston's scheduled starter for Monday. He is 1-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 17 2/3 innings over three career games (all starts) against the Royals. Left-hander Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) is expected to make his Kansas City debut as the Monday starter. Falter, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the Thursday trade deadline, is 1-1 with a 7.94 ERA in two games (one start) in his career against Boston. He has seven strikeouts and one walk in 5 2/3 innings against the Red Sox. Kansas City also acquired rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert from the San Diego Padres on Thursday. He is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday in Boston. "(The) message to those guys is, 'Look, your job is to help us ... give us the best chance to win,'" Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "'Go out there and compete your butt off for as much as you can.'" Like Boston, Kansas City has been playing winning baseball lately. The Royals came from behind to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 in 10 innings on Sunday. Kansas City trailed 2-1 before tying the game in the eighth and then scoring five runs in the 10th. The victory gave Kansas City two wins in the three-game series at Toronto. The Royals have won four of their past five games and each of their past four series. The Royals will not have Steven Cruz available in the near future. The right-handed reliever, who left the Saturday game against the Blue Jays after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder, was placed on the 15-day injured list before the Sunday contest. Cruz has a 3.61 ERA in 42 1/3 innings (43 games) this season.
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