[Lefty Noob]

The Miami Heat are Southeast Division champions. According to the Associated Press, "Antoine Walker scored 19 points and took two crucial charges late in the fourth quarter, Dwyane Wade added 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and the defending NBA champion Heat wrapped up the division with an 85-82 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night." They definitely seem to be in good shape heading into the playoffs, as long as Wade can stay healthy. Can they repeat?

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

:throws confetti in the air:

After a lengthy off season that lasted until around a month ago, the Heat find themselves in a hole. They dug it. Coming back out of shape (and dare I say injury-prone???), partying in the late hours before and after big games, chalking up DUI's.... they haven't shown much other than their gaudy rings to prove to anyone that they're the champs.

And this is coming from a fairly obvious die-hard supporter.

So now, their season begins. And if they can somehow bring it all together and if the veterans can pull out a few more miracles, then this could be the most unlikely of repeats.

And with the west so undeniably strong, one can't help but wonder just how far the fall is from the top.