[1] In the off-season, the Heat signed free agents Eric Murdock,[2][3][4] three-point specialist Terry Mills,[5][6][7] Todd Day,[8][9] and acquired Duane Causwell from the Sacramento Kings.
[10][11] However, after only playing just five games for the Heat, Day was released to free agency after criticizing how head coach Pat Riley ran the team.
[12][13][14][15] Despite Alonzo Mourning missing the first 22 games of the season due to an off-season knee injury,[16][17][18][19] and Jamal Mashburn only playing just 48 games due to a thumb injury,[20][21][22] the Heat continued to play strong basketball as backup center Isaac Austin filled in the void as the team's starting center in Mourning's absence.
Mourning would eventually return as Austin was traded at mid-season to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Brent Barry,[23][24][25][26] as the Heat posted a 13–2 record in February, including a ten-game winning streak between February and March, and holding a 30–17 record at the All-Star break.
Despite losing Majerle to a groin injury in Game 2,[38][39] the Heat would take a 2–1 lead in the series.