2005–06 Miami Heat season
Encyclopedia
The 2005–06 Miami Heat season was eighteenth National Basketball Association
season for the Miami Heat
basketball franchise
. The highlight of the season was winning the 2006 NBA Finals
. The team was nicknamed "15 Strong".
* Statistics include only games with the Heat
* Statistics include only games with the Heat
.
scored a playoff-high 32 points as the Mavericks overcame a 31–23 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
had a stellar 26 point-16 rebound performance, and the Mavericks cruised past the Heat to take a 2–0 series lead.
's 42 points and 13 rebounds, the Heat rallied from a 13-point deficit with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. The momentum-changing comeback was capped by a Gary Payton
field goal from just inside the three-point line with 9.3 seconds left.
caught Shaquille O'Neal
with a flagrant foul that resulted in him being suspended for Game 5.
After the game, Dirk Nowitzki kicked a ball into the stands and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban caused many "acts of misconduct" resulting in both of them being fined $5,000 and $250,000 respectively.
NBA All-Star Game
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
season for the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
basketball franchise
Professional sports league organization
Professional sports leagues are organized in numerous ways. The two most significant types are a European model, characterised by a tiered structure using promotion and relegation to determine participation in a hierarchy of leagues or divisions and a North American model characterized by its use...
. The highlight of the season was winning the 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
. The team was nicknamed "15 Strong".
Offseason
- In August 2005, Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'NealShaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
signed a 5-year-extension with the Heat for $100 million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cut, and the Heat's decision to secure O'Neal's services for the long term. They contend that O'Neal was worth more than $20 million per year, particularly given that considerably less valuable players earn almost the same amount. Critics, however, questioned the wisdom of the move, characterizing it as overpaying an aging and often injured player.
NBA Draft
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | School/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | Wayne Simien Wayne Simien Wayne Anthony Simien, Jr. is an American former professional basketball player, who last played with Spain's Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto. He was a member of the Miami Heat team that won the 2005–06 NBA championship.-High school career:Growing up, Simien was a University of Kansas fan due to his... |
Forward | Kansas | |
Depth chart
| Pos. | Starter | Bench | Reserve | Inactive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Center (basketball) The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well... |
Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA... |
Alonzo Mourning Alonzo Mourning Alonzo Harding Mourning, Jr. is a former American professional basketball player, who played most of his 15-year NBA career for the Miami Heat.... |
Michael Doleac Michael Doleac Michael Scott Doleac is an American former professional basketball player.Doleac was selected 12th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic... |
Earl Barron Earl Barron Earl Daniel Barron, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association.-Career:... |
| PF Power forward (basketball) Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low... |
Udonis Haslem Udonis Haslem Udonis Johneal Haslem is an American professional basketball player who is currently a power forward for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Haslem played college basketball for the University of Florida, where he was a key member of four Florida Gators NCAA tournament teams... |
Wayne Simien Wayne Simien Wayne Anthony Simien, Jr. is an American former professional basketball player, who last played with Spain's Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto. He was a member of the Miami Heat team that won the 2005–06 NBA championship.-High school career:Growing up, Simien was a University of Kansas fan due to his... |
||
| SF Small forward The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall... |
Antoine Walker Antoine Walker Antoine Devon Walker is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League... |
James Posey James Posey James Mikely Mantell Posey, Jr. is an American professional basketball player, currently a small forward for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA.-Early life:... |
Jason Kapono Jason Kapono Jason Alan Kapono is an American professional basketball player who is a free agent. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, Kapono later also played for the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers... |
|
| SG Shooting guard The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team... |
Dwyane Wade Dwyane Wade Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league... |
Derek Anderson | Shandon Anderson Shandon Anderson Shandon Rodriguez Anderson is an American former professional basketball forward and guard who played in the National Basketball Association from 1996 to 2006... |
Dorell Wright Dorell Wright Dorell Lawrence Wright is an American professional basketball small forward with the Golden State Warriors. In the 2010-11 season, Wright became known for his three-point shooting.- NBA career :... |
| PG Point guard Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that... |
Jason Williams | Gary Payton Gary Payton Gary Dwayne Payton is a former American professional basketball point guard. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, and holds Seattle franchise records in points, assists, and steals... |
Regular season
- In the second game of the 2005-06 season2005-06 NBA seasonThe 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. It began on November 1, 2005 and ran through April 19, 2006...
, O'Neal injured his right ankle and subsequently missed the following 18 games. Many critics stated that Heat coach Pat RileyPat RileyPatrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
correctly managed O'Neal during the rest of the season, limiting his minutes to a career low. Riley felt doing so would allow O'Neal to be healthier and fresher come playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged career (or near-career) lows in points, rebounds, and blocks, he said in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about winning, not stats. If I score 0 points and we win I'm happy. If I score 50, 60 points, break the records, and we lose, I'm pissed off. 'Cause I knew I did something wrong. I'll have a hell of a season if I win the championship and average 20 points a game." During the 2005-06 season, the Heat recorded only a .500 record without O'Neal in the line-up.
- On April 11, 2006, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto RaptorsToronto RaptorsThe Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career high 10 assists.
Regular season
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 3 | 20.2 | .308 | .313 | .842 | 2.6 | 2.1 | .35 | .09 | 5.8 | |
| 48 | 1 | 13.3 | .429 | .263 | .722 | 1.7 | .6 | .35 | .13 | 2.6 | |
| 8 | 0 | 5.6 | .313 | .000 | .750 | 1.3 | .0 | .00 | .00 | 1.6 | |
| 31 | 3 | 12.0 | .420 | .000 | .800 | 2.7 | .3 | .32 | .23 | 3.2 | |
| 81 | 80 | 30.8 | .508 | .000 | .789 | 7.8 | 1.2 | .62 | .21 | 9.3 | |
| 51 | 2 | 13.0 | .446 | .396 | .848 | 1.4 | .7 | .14 | .06 | 4.1 | |
| 65 | 20 | 20.0 | .597 | .000 | .594 | 5.5 | .2 | .20 | 2.66 | 7.8 | |
| 59 | 58 | 30.6 | .600 | .000 | .469 | 9.2 | 1.9 | .39 | 1.76 | 20.0 | |
| 81 | 25 | 28.5 | .420 | .287 | .794 | 2.9 | 3.2 | .88 | .12 | 7.7 | |
| 67 | 63 | 28.6 | .403 | .403 | .787 | 4.8 | 1.3 | .81 | .30 | 7.2 | |
| 43 | 2 | 9.6 | .483 | .000 | .882 | 2.0 | .2 | .30 | .02 | 3.4 | |
| 75 | 75 | 38.6 | .495 | .171 | .783 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 1.95 | .77 | 27.2 | |
| 82 | 19 | 26.8 | .435 | .358 | .628 | 5.1 | 2.0 | .57 | .37 | 12.2 | |
| 2 | 0 | 1.5 | 1.000 | .000 | .000 | .0 | .0 | .00 | .00 | 1.0 | |
| 59 | 56 | 31.8 | .442 | .372 | .867 | 2.4 | 4.9 | .90 | .08 | 12.3 | |
| 20 | 2 | 6.6 | .465 | .500 | .882 | 1.6 | .4 | .15 | .05 | 2.9 |
Playoffs
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 8.3 | .300 | .357 | .875 | 1.1 | .6 | .25 | .00 | 3.0 | |
| 13 | 0 | 6.9 | .308 | .333 | .667 | .9 | .3 | .00 | .08 | 1.0 | |
| 8 | 0 | 9.0 | .538 | .000 | 1.000 | 2.8 | .0 | .13 | .00 | 2.0 | |
| 22 | 22 | 29.5 | .493 | .000 | .683 | 7.4 | .8 | .59 | .32 | 8.6 | |
| 1 | 0 | 2.0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .0 | .0 | .00 | .00 | .0 | |
| 21 | 0 | 10.8 | .703 | .000 | .667 | 2.9 | .1 | .24 | 1.14 | 3.8 | |
| 23 | 23 | 33.0 | .612 | .000 | .374 | 9.8 | 1.7 | .48 | 1.48 | 18.4 | |
| 23 | 0 | 24.3 | .422 | .293 | .720 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.00 | .13 | 5.8 | |
| 22 | 1 | 27.5 | .430 | .422 | .730 | 5.7 | .9 | .77 | .09 | 7.3 | |
| 2 | 0 | 3.5 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .5 | .0 | .00 | .00 | .0 | |
| 23 | 23 | 41.7 | .497 | .378 | .808 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 2.22 | 1.13 | 28.4 | |
| 23 | 23 | 37.5 | .403 | .324 | .574 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 1.00 | .35 | 13.3 | |
| 23 | 23 | 29.8 | .405 | .274 | .844 | 2.0 | 3.9 | .65 | .00 | 9.3 |
2006 NBA Playoffs
Heat clinched a 2 seed at the Eastern Conference for the 2006 NBA Playoffs2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
.
Game One
Dallas' Jason TerryJason Terry
Jason Eugene Terry is an American professional basketball player playing with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. He plays shooting guard, although he also can play point guard. His nickname, "JET," derives from his initials...
scored a playoff-high 32 points as the Mavericks overcame a 31–23 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
Game Two
Dirk NowitzkiDirk Nowitzki
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
had a stellar 26 point-16 rebound performance, and the Mavericks cruised past the Heat to take a 2–0 series lead.
Game Three
Led by Dwyane WadeDwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
's 42 points and 13 rebounds, the Heat rallied from a 13-point deficit with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. The momentum-changing comeback was capped by a Gary Payton
Gary Payton
Gary Dwayne Payton is a former American professional basketball point guard. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, and holds Seattle franchise records in points, assists, and steals...
field goal from just inside the three-point line with 9.3 seconds left.
Game Four
Dwyane Wade shined again for the Heat with 36 points, and Miami held Dallas to just seven points in the fourth quarter en route to a series-tying, blowout victory. The Mavericks' low-scoring fourth quarter was the lowest ever by any team during the NBA Finals. Jerry StackhouseJerry Stackhouse
Jerry Darnell Stackhouse is an American professional basketball player who plays both shooting guard and small forward. He most recently played for the Miami Heat. He is now an NBA TV analyst but remains as an eligible free agent....
caught Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
with a flagrant foul that resulted in him being suspended for Game 5.
Game Five
Making a strong case for NBA Finals MVP, Wade was the star yet again with 43 points shooting as many free throws as all the Mavericks combined, leading the Heat to their third straight win over Dallas after being down 0–2 in the series. After a controversial play in which Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thought Wade committed a backcourt violation, Wade hit the game-winning free throws with 1.9 seconds left, and also made the shot that sent the game into overtime. He set an NBA Finals record for most made free-throws in a game with 21. The NBA, upon further review of the play, deemed that the officials made the correct call, and that there was no backcourt violation committed.After the game, Dirk Nowitzki kicked a ball into the stands and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban caused many "acts of misconduct" resulting in both of them being fined $5,000 and $250,000 respectively.
Game Six
Behind Dwyane Wade's 36 points, Miami edged Dallas to win their first championship in franchise history. Averaging 34.7 points per game in the championship series, Wade was named NBA Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player).Award winners
- Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'NealShaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
, NBA leader in field goal percentage- He joined Wilt ChamberlainWilt ChamberlainWilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain was an American professional NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers; he also played for the Harlem Globetrotters prior to playing in the NBA...
as the only two players in league history to lead the league in field goal percentage nine times.
- He joined Wilt Chamberlain
- Shaquille O'Neal, All-NBA First Team
- Dwyane WadeDwyane WadeDwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
, NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Champion - Dwyane Wade, All-NBA Second Team
- Dwyane Wade, NBA Finals MVP
- Dwyane Wade, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
NBA All-Star Game
- Dwyane Wade, NBA All-Star Game Appearance
- Shaquille O'Neal, NBA All-Star Appearance