Playoff action, Miami Grand Prix, stars and more during South Beach week in sports
When you think of Miami, you probably think of sunny beaches, neon lights, and thrilling nightlife experiences, and rightfully so. Last week, however, South Beach was the epicenter of action sports events.
The Miami HeatLarry O’Brien Trophy’s journey continues in the Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia 76ers. Another team from Sunshine State, Florida Panthersbegan her own quest for championship hardware, the Stanley Cup, against Washington Capitals.
Formula one The race also comes to Miami as the city hosts its first league event on Sunday. The Crypto.com Grand Prix at the new Miami International Autodrome drew a star-studded crowd as many sports stars mingled before, during and after the race.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Miami Grand Prix
Here are some of the highlights from an eventful week of sports and athletes in Miami:
Formula one
The Crypto.com Grand Prix drew a number of celebrities to Miami before the race even started. Seven-time Super Bowl champion and Tampa Bay Buccaneers midfielder brave cat golf with F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile champion finished sixth in this weekend’s event.
Some people with 7 world titles, and Tom Brady @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/T90mDEQ4sQ
– Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 4, 2022
Hamilton isn’t the only one to associate with athletic people. Pierre Gasly dinner with Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan before the Miami Grand Prix. Jordan has some racing experience, co-owner of the NASCAR . group with Denny Hamlin.
F1 driver Lando Norris There is also in the spirit of hoops leading up to the race. He presented a solid wood themed helmet with his logo and signature.
Baller Alert! ️🏀 @LandoNorris #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/ylAnamLSBg
– McLaren (@ McLarenF1) May 5, 2022
Slam dunk pic.twitter.com/Apg2rnL4pU
– Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) May 5, 2022
Other sports celebrities flocked to Miami for race weekend. Chief of Kansas City midfielder Patrick Mahomes Post a picture with the tennis superstar Serena Williams and former LA Galaxy player David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami CF.
Miami pic.twitter.com/Q1Icuh2NNC
– Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 6, 2022
Love is also in the air at South Beach. At Saturday’s Miami Grand Prix qualifier, a fan in attendance asked his partner a question. The moment was great, but the support from the fans in the back was even better.
Right now we are all ladies in the back.
Congratulations to both of you! pic.twitter.com/aF1RgiNqNT
– F1 Miami Grand Prix (@f1miami) May 7, 2022
On Sunday, Hamilton, Jordan, Beckham and Brady posed for a photo together. TB12 comes with “LFG” but “greatness” is just enough for a footnote.
#LFG @LewisHamilton @ Jumpman23 #DB pic.twitter.com/BcLHYNviSI
– Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 8, 2022
NHL – Florida Panthers
The Panthers begin their quest to win the Stanley Cup on Tuesday, facing the Washington Capitals in their first game. The Panthers finished their first regular season at the Eastern Conference and have the second-highest odds to win the championship on May 2 per Caesars (+500). The team received good wishes from the Heat ahead of their first playoff game.
Having brought home the Presidential Cup, now it’s time to chase another one. Let’s start it tonight @FlaPanthers 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀 pic.twitter.com/uLh7hKTWt7
– Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 3, 2022
On supportive social media, veteran Heat Udonis Haslem appeared in Game 1 to cheer for the Panthers.
Legendary @ThisIsUD in the house tonight@miamiheat | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/V2nCVAhujR
– Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 4, 2022
FLA Live Arena, the team’s home stadium, has added a number of new culinary options to pay tribute to the post-season.
All new in-match food items available at certain locations! pic.twitter.com/DDO3J9wrHx
– FLA Live Arena (@FLALiveArena) May 3, 2022
The Panthers lost 4-2 in game 1 on Tuesday but recovered with a 5-1 win on Thursday. The third half did not bring the expected success, when Washington defeated Florida with a score of 6-1.
NBA – Miami Heat
The Heat had a pretty successful week, starting with protection Tyler Herro. On Tuesday, the 22-year-old was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, got 96 votes in first place. Herro’s 20.7 points-per-game off the bench is the most since Lou Williams’ 22.6 PPG when he won hardware in the 2017-18 season, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
6ix men pic.twitter.com/3k55gXMkpC
– Tyler Herro (@raf_tyler) May 3, 2022
Miami led its series against the Sixers 2-0 at the weekend, thanks to impressive performances from Herro, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Victor Oladipo. It was Oladipo’s 30th birthday on May 4 and he gave a great performance that night. He dropped 19 points, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter. Front PJ TuckerHis birthday is on a Thursday, and what better way to celebrate than with a win.
Refresh the Met Gala carpet and return to Wade County @DwyaneWade @itsgabrielleu pic.twitter.com/Wl4kD7p5fH
– Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 5, 2022
🔊 Homecourt is guarded with Wades in the building pic.twitter.com/5zu1Z1vxeB
– Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 5, 2022
Colombian soccer star James Rodriguez stopped by the field to watch Miami play Wednesday. Former heat guard Dwyane Wade also participated in Game 2, just appeared at Met Gala. Butler screams at Wade and his family after the win.
What a way to celebrate your 30th birthday
Vic helped us to win with 10 points in game 4, 19 pic.twitter.com/4o0lKeBSDZ
– Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 5, 2022
The Heat fell to the Sixers 99-79 on Friday, but they still have a 2-1 series advantage going into Game 4 on Sunday.