This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/heat/onsi as Former Miami Heat coach likes the team's direction. It's been two decades, believe it or not, since Stan Van Gundy has been the head coach of the Miami Heat.

No, it’s not playoff stakes. But the Heat is playing a pivotal NBA Cup game on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks at Kaseya Center for its fourth and final group-stage contest that will go a long way in deciding if Miami advances to the in-season tournament’s knockout round for the first time.

The Miami Heat had several top performers in their 127-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon. Leading scorer Norman Powell put up 32 points, while Jaime Jaquez Jr also contributed 22 off the bench.

Tyler Herro is expected to make his season debut on Monday when the Miami Heat host the Dallas Mavericks, according to reports.

As the Miami Heat continue to build momentum in the Eastern Conference, a new trade possibility has emerged that could elevate the team to true contender status.

Norman Powell scored 32 points, Kel’el Ware added 20 points and 16 rebounds and the Miami Heat won their fourth in a row with a 127-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday

The Miami Heat are on the cusp of finding out whether their NBA Cup is half full or half empty. Based on results Wednesday, the Heat either could clinch a berth in the in-season tournament’s knockout round for the first time .