Inter Miami And Portland Timbers Showing Resemblance To NBA Counterparts

The Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers have had very different levels success in the postseason

In the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami has reached the Finals, while the Portland Timbers were eliminated in the first round.

These teams are showing glaring similarities to their NBA parallels, the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers. The Heat have reached the Finals twice in the last four seasons, meanwhile the Blazers have been knocked out in the first round in five of their last eight appearances.

The Timbers were defeated 1-0 by CF Monterrey in the Round of 32.

Much of Miami’s newfound success is thanks to recently acquired forward Lionel Messi. Since joining the club, they are on a six-game winning streak, defeating the Philadelphia Union 4-1 on Tuesday night. Messi netted his ninth goal against the Union, placing him third all-time in goals scored.

miami in the finals. portland knocked out in the first round. what’s new pic.twitter.com/Pm97TSmDWE

— Dru (@dru_star) August 16, 2023

The Heat were struggling to reach the postseason before acquiring superstar Jimmy Butler in 2019. In the five years prior to his arrival, they missed the playoffs three times and were a first-round exit twice. They have since been one of the most successful teams in the league, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals three times.

The connection between these organizations greatly stems from the hopeful arrival of Damian Lillard to the Heat.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_