Miami Heat's Caleb Martin is no longer the NBA's best-kept secret
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Miami Heat’s Caleb Martin's unconventional path to the NBA dates back to being undrafted, waived, and signing a two-way deal. Now Martin has earned a starring role on a Championship contending team. In a Game 7 rematch against the reigning Conference Champs, Martin posted a career-best performance, scoring 26 points, including a barrage of three-pointers to claim a 103-84 victory over the Boston Celtics. "It doesn’t surprise us. We have seen it every single day. I’m so proud and happy for him. I think he’s going to be even better in the next round, and I don’t think he’s going to be a surprise to anybody any longer", Butler told the media. Martin has earned respect from his peers, and has embraced the "Heat Culture". Throughout the season, Martin posted career-highs in points (9.6) and rebounds (4.6). But, Martin's post-season ascension did not come by surprise. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Martin averaged 19.3 points, and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 60.2% from the field and 48.9% from 3-point range. Martin finished just one vote shy of surpassing NBA all-star Jimmy Bulter for the ECF MVP award. Caleb Martin cements himself in history, becoming the first player in Heat History to score 100 points, 60% from the field, and 45% from three in a single series. Martin is set to make his first NBA finals appearance while taking advantage of the opportunity.
“What people can learn from my story is just stay in the saddle, Stay in the saddle, man. If you put the work in, eventually it will come to light. ”
Miami Ride ‘Heat Culture’ to NBA Finals
Photo by: Associated Press
The NBA community has dubbed the Heat as an "underdog" team, but the Heat have changed the narrative. The Heat's improbable post-season run continues. After entering this post-season as an eight-seed, eliminating the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. After shocking the Bucks in five games and the New York Knicks in six, the Miami Heat were in an epic ECF rematch with the reigning Conference Champs. Despite losing a three straight after going up 3-0, it was the resiliency and togetherness that outlasted the Celtics. Just one year ago, Jimmy Butler predicted after losing to the Celtics in 2022, that the Heat would return back to this position and "get it done".
“ I have so much belief in myself and this group of guys, and in the squad that Coach Pat, Coach Spo and everybody else has put together. I see it every single day, I know how good of players we have, I know how good of a team we are, and we made it happen." - Jimmy Butler
But still, the Heat are not satisfied, as Butler has his eyes set on bringing a Championship back to Miami. The Heat, yet faced with another at-large task will harp on their toughness and defensive prowess. For Miami, the odds are in their favour. League Sources have informed that the Heat is expecting the return of Guard Tyler Herro, who suffered a fractured wrist in the first round. Herro is targeting a Game 3 return per report. Game 1 of the NBA Finals will commence on Thursday night live from the Mile High's Ball Arena. Live coverage will begin at 7:30 PM ET. on ABC.