The Miami HEAT and Sun Sports have announced that they will re-air the original “HEAT Classics” series following several games during the month of February. This collection of memorable HEAT contests includes commentary and reflections from the team’s current stable of Emmy Award-winning broadcast talent as well as guest appearances from various HEAT personalities who played a pivotal part in the particular showcase game.
The seven-game schedule of HEAT Classics takes fans back to the earliest days of the franchise and continues on through some of the more memorable moments of the Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning era.
During the HEAT Classics presentation, select players from each featured game will also be highlighted in several Where Are They Now? segments. Drawn from the Emmy Award-winning production, Inside the HEAT, these elements will provide fans with the opportunity to learn more about HEAT stars of yesteryear and what they are up to in the present day. Billy Thompson, Jon Sundvold, and Rory Sparrow are among those former players whose stories will be featured.
The HEAT Classics campaign will debut tomorrow, February 6, immediately following the HEAT Live postgame, at the conclusion of the Rockets game. All subsequent shows will air after the remaining HEAT game telecasts on Sun Sports in February. A description of each game and the air times for each are listed below.
HEAT Classics Air Dates
December 14, 1988 – HEAT @ Los Angeles Clippers
After 17 straight losses to begin their first season, the HEAT claimed the first win in franchise history in the City of Angels.
January 15, 1989 – Indiana Pacers vs. HEAT
The upstart HEAT rally from 29 points down against Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers to win in double overtime in what remains the largest single deficit ever overcome in franchise history.
February 17, 1989 – Charlotte Hornets vs. HEAT
In a clash of first year expansion teams, the HEAT rallied for a last second victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Thousands of flyswatters were distributed prior to the game and became a legendary part of the post-game celebration.
March 28, 1991 – Boston Celtics vs. HEAT
A thrilling fourth quarter comeback in their third season helps the HEAT secure their first win in 11 tries over one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, the Boston Celtics.
March 11, 1993 – Chicago Bulls vs. HEAT
After losing 19 straight games to Chicago, including their first three games as a playoff team in 1992, the HEAT registered one of the most memorable wins in franchise history, beating Michael Jordan and the Bulls for the very first time.
December 7, 1996 – HEAT @ Chicago Bulls
During an unforgettable season and an even more remarkable stretch of road game success, few images captured the “never say die” spirit of the 1996-97 road warrior HEAT team as well as Dan Majerle’s game-winning three-point basket that gave Miami a rare road win in Chicago.
May 4, 1997 – Orlando vs. HEAT / Game 5: HEAT win series in five games
In the first and only playoff pairing between intrastate rivals Miami and Orlando, a series that had started with two HEAT blowouts was taken the distance by a feisty Magic squad. A tightly fought Game 5 came down to the wire, and Tim Hardaway ultimately proved to be the hero as he delivered the knockout blow late in the fourth quarter.