Exponential growth in their level of play in recent weeks. This is how what Miami Heat and Orlando Magic are doing can be summed up. Both Florida franchises convey the feeling that they could reach the playoffs, establishing themselves as serious threats to the favorites and even aiming for the top four spots in the Eastern Conference in the regular season.
Same record, contrasting playing styles, and similar danger in this final stretch of the season. Miami Heat and Orlando Magic have flown under the radar throughout the season, performing below expectations and developing their own identities that didn't seem to have the tools to push their limits. However, they have stepped up in recent weeks, moving out of play-in positions and revealing themselves as teams that can shine in the postseason.
Having their own style and trending upwards are necessary ingredients for defying the predictions of the Eastern Conference. As much as the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, and Cavs may seem superior, all of them could struggle against the defensive reliability of Orlando Magic and the clarified play and speed of Miami Heat. They are 2.5 games away from seizing the spots that grant home-court advantage in the first round and have widened the gap with their competitors to avoid the play-in.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Miami Heat y Orlando Magic meten miedo a los favoritos de la Conferencia Este