That foundation would be tested, time and again. After the devastating loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 Finals, critics claimed there were too many egos to succeed and suggested the roster be blown up. Even after winning the 2012 Championship, there were whispers that players would refocus on individual stats now that they achieved their team goal and that they would fall prey to the trap that HEAT President Pat Riley called the Disease of Me.
Instead, they rallied against the naysayers and thrived. The team earned a conference-best 36-14 record at the All-Star break. They were even better after that, going 30-2 to finish the 2012-13 regular season thanks in part to their incredible 27-game winning streak. What came next was a playoff run for the ages that tested their focus, dedication, and resolve. This is the story of the Miami HEAT, the back-to-back NBA Champions.