The 2004-05 Miami Heat season marked a significant turning point for the franchise, as they emerged as serious contenders in the NBA. Coached by Stan Van Gundy, the team finished the regular season with an impressive 59-23 record, securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Heat’s success was largely powered by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade. O’Neal, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, delivered a dominant presence in the paint, while second-year guard Wade showcased his burgeoning talent, averaging 24.1 points per game.
In the postseason, the Heat displayed their strength by sweeping the New Jersey Nets and defeating the Washington Wizards in five games, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. They faced a formidable Detroit Pistons team in a hard-fought seven-game series. Despite Miami’s home-court advantage and a 3-2 series lead, they ultimately fell short, losing Game 7 at home. Wade’s rib injury during the series was a significant setback for the team.
Although the Heat did not reach the NBA Finals, the 2004-05 season laid the groundwork for future success, as the team demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. With O’Neal and Wade leading the charge, Miami set the stage for what would become a championship-winning campaign in the following season.
- Regular Season Record: 59-23
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Eastern Conference Finals: 3-4
Miami Heat Roster and Stats for 2004-05 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Dwyane Wade | 77 | 24.1 | 5.2 | 6.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 28.9 | 14 | 27.4 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 10.0 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 73 | 22.9 | 10.4 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 13 | 19.4 | 7.8 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
| Eddie Jones | 80 | 12.7 | 5.1 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 37.2 | 15 | 13.7 | 5.8 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 40.0 |
| Damon Jones | 82 | 11.6 | 2.8 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 43.2 | 15 | 12.1 | 2.7 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 42.9 |
| Udonis Haslem | 80 | 10.9 | 9.1 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 15 | 9.2 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Rasual Butler | 65 | 6.5 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 37.3 | 12 | 4.7 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 36.7 |
| Malik Allen | 14 | 5.9 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Christian Laettner | 49 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 14.3 | 13 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Keyon Dooling | 74 | 5.2 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 25.3 | 15 | 7.3 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 36.8 |
| Alonzo Mourning | 19 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 15 | 6.1 | 4.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.2 | 0.0 |
| Michael Doleac | 80 | 4.0 | 3.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 9 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Shandon Anderson | 65 | 3.9 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 17.9 | 8 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Wesley Person | 16 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 38.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Qyntel Woods | 3 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Dorell Wright | 3 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Wang Zhizhi | 20 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 66.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Steve Smith | 13 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Miami Heat in the 2005 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New Jersey Nets
In the 2005 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat dominated the first round by sweeping the New Jersey Nets in a decisive 4-0 series victory. Led by Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, the Heat showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, setting the tone for a deep playoff run. This performance underscored their status as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 24, 2005 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 116-98 | |
| Apr 26, 2005 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 104-87 | |
| Apr 28, 2005 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 108-105 | |
| May 01, 2005 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 110-97 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Washington Wizards
In the 2005 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat dominated the second round by sweeping the Washington Wizards in four games. Led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and a young Dwyane Wade, the Heat showcased their depth and defensive prowess, setting the stage for an Eastern Conference Finals showdown with the Detroit Pistons. This series highlighted Miami's potential as a championship contender, as they combined star power with solid team chemistry.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 08, 2005 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 105-86 | |
| May 10, 2005 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 108-102 | |
| May 12, 2005 | @ Washington Wizards | W 102-95 | |
| May 14, 2005 | @ Washington Wizards | W 99-95 |
2005 Conference Championship vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 2005 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat reached the Eastern Conference Finals with a dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade leading the charge. Despite their strong performance throughout the season, the Heat fell to the Detroit Pistons in a grueling seven-game series, with Wade battling a rib injury that hampered his effectiveness. This defeat set the stage for Miami's determination to come back stronger, ultimately leading to their first NBA Championship victory the following year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 90-81 | |
| May 25, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 92-86 | |
| May 29, 2005 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 113-104 | |
| May 31, 2005 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 106-96 | |
| Jun 02, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 88-76 | |
| Jun 04, 2005 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 91-66 | |
| Jun 06, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 88-82 |
Miami Heat 2004-05 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2004-05 season for the Miami Heat.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 100-77 | |
| Nov 04, 2004 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 92-86 | |
| Nov 06, 2004 | @ Washington Wizards | W 118-106 | |
| Nov 09, 2004 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-93 | |
| Nov 11, 2004 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 113-93 | |
| Nov 12, 2004 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 93-84 | |
| Nov 14, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-110 | |
| Nov 16, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 108-97 | |
| Nov 17, 2004 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-106 | |
| Nov 19, 2004 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 107-105 | |
| Nov 21, 2004 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 93-83 | |
| Nov 23, 2004 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 99-87 | |
| Nov 24, 2004 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 99-93 | |
| Nov 26, 2004 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 78-77 | |
| Nov 28, 2004 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 106-104 | |
| Nov 30, 2004 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 94-92 | |
| Dec 03, 2004 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 105-81 | |
| Dec 04, 2004 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 104-95 | |
| Dec 06, 2004 | @ Utah Jazz | W 100-80 | |
| Dec 08, 2004 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 101-96 | |
| Dec 10, 2004 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 92-84 | |
| Dec 12, 2004 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 106-98 | |
| Dec 13, 2004 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 106-83 | |
| Dec 15, 2004 | @ Washington Wizards | W 98-93 | |
| Dec 17, 2004 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 107-100 | |
| Dec 19, 2004 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 117-107 | |
| Dec 21, 2004 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 108-100 | |
| Dec 23, 2004 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 109-107 | |
| Dec 25, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 104-102 | |
| Dec 27, 2004 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 116-102 | |
| Dec 30, 2004 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 89-78 | |
| Jan 01, 2005 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 113-90 | |
| Jan 03, 2005 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 98-96 | |
| Jan 05, 2005 | vs. New York Knicks | W 102-94 | |
| Jan 07, 2005 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-92 | |
| Jan 09, 2005 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-98 | |
| Jan 11, 2005 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 122-107 | |
| Jan 12, 2005 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 98-91 | |
| Jan 14, 2005 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 114-112 | |
| Jan 19, 2005 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 111-92 | |
| Jan 21, 2005 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 106-100 | |
| Jan 23, 2005 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 97-68 | |
| Jan 24, 2005 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 106-98 | |
| Jan 26, 2005 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 111-96 | |
| Jan 28, 2005 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 106-96 | |
| Jan 30, 2005 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 104-95 | |
| Feb 01, 2005 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 109-104 | |
| Feb 03, 2005 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 100-88 | |
| Feb 05, 2005 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 108-97 | |
| Feb 07, 2005 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 105-96 | |
| Feb 09, 2005 | @ New York Knicks | W 116-110 | |
| Feb 11, 2005 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 97-87 | |
| Feb 13, 2005 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 96-92 | |
| Feb 16, 2005 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 113-95 | |
| Feb 22, 2005 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 105-101 | |
| Feb 23, 2005 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 93-91 | |
| Feb 26, 2005 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 101-98 | |
| Feb 27, 2005 | @ Orlando Magic | W 112-103 | |
| Mar 03, 2005 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 106-90 | |
| Mar 04, 2005 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 104-83 | |
| Mar 06, 2005 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 102-82 | |
| Mar 07, 2005 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 108-100 | |
| Mar 10, 2005 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 107-90 | |
| Mar 12, 2005 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 90-65 | |
| Mar 14, 2005 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-71 | |
| Mar 15, 2005 | @ New York Knicks | W 98-96 | |
| Mar 17, 2005 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 102-89 | |
| Mar 19, 2005 | vs. New York Knicks | W 97-82 | |
| Mar 22, 2005 | @ Houston Rockets | L 84-82 | |
| Mar 25, 2005 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 125-115 | |
| Mar 26, 2005 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | L 94-92 | |
| Mar 29, 2005 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 103-91 | |
| Mar 31, 2005 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 114-108 | |
| Apr 02, 2005 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 111-99 | |
| Apr 05, 2005 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 104-86 | |
| Apr 08, 2005 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 97-81 | |
| Apr 10, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 80-72 | |
| Apr 14, 2005 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 126-119 | |
| Apr 15, 2005 | @ Boston Celtics | L 101-99 | |
| Apr 17, 2005 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 84-80 | |
| Apr 19, 2005 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 99-80 | |
| Apr 20, 2005 | @ Orlando Magic | W 98-93 |
