There is one thing standing between the Heat and the title

[No coincidences]

Erik Spoelstra.

Horrible 4th quarter. Carlisle owns his ass again -- just like in Game 2.

If the Heat win it all, it's because Wade and James will them to the championship.

If they don't, it's on Rico Suave. And I'm starting to think they don't.

[t-wizzle]

Erik Spoelstra. LEBRON JAMES.

Horrible 4th quarter. Carlisle owns his ass again -- just like in Game 2.

If the Heat win it all, it's because Wade and James will them to the championship.

If they don't, it's on Rico Suave. And I'm starting to think they don't.

Fixed it.

[TheThreeKings]

I don't think this falls on Spoelstra, the players just didn't close well on either end of the floor. Lebron had possibly his worst playoff game ever and the Heat blew a few rotations at the end. Also Wade's missed FT and hero shots didn't help either. Can't blame it on Spoelstra when we draws up a play that the players don't execute because they can't even complete a clean inbound pass.

[NY Playa]

Anthony and Bibby invisible....3 on 5 cant win

[djpremier36]

Spo is solid IMO...look at his talent base last year and tell me how they finished with a better regular season than the Celtics in 2010.

[No coincidences]

Fixed it.

LeBron was a ghost tonight -- especially late. But that's on Spoelstra to, oh I don't know, call a timeout and make sure your best player is actually touching the ball now and again.

[No coincidences]

Spo is solid IMO...look at his talent base last year and tell me how they finished with a better regular season than the Celtics in 2010.

I don't think he's necessarily a horrible coach -- in fact, I've been more impressed than I thought I would be with him during these playoffs.

With that being said, I don't think he's ready to actually lead this team to a title. On the other side, Carlisle is. The question is, will LBJ trump everything and take it or not?

[Sunde91]

He is back in the lockeroom as we type saying things like "stay the course" and "this is where we thrive" for the 100th time. Clown.

[pronk]

That 1 thing is Karma: quitters and cheaters never win and when they beat the curse of karma, that victory will taste like a shit.

[No coincidences]

He is back in the lockeroom as we type saying things like "stay the course" and "this is where we thrive" for the 100th time. Clown.

Relative to the NBA Finals and actually winning a championship, the guy is in over his head. Not really his fault -- he needs more time and experience.

[Mac4Lyfe]

Carlisle has been pretty bad as well. Putting in Peja Stoysucavich late in this game and the last. Guarding Joel Anthony and Juwan Howard who cannot score. Allowing his team to play zero defense. Not using Corey Brewer who could at least defend Wade or Lebron. Playing Brian fuking Cardinald???

I use to think he was a smart coach but he's been clueless so far. His best move was getting a technical today to light a fire on his team. He needs to start earning his paycheck.

[FindTheLock]

This game had nothing to do with the Heat coach. MJ never needed a timeout to be reminded that he was the go to guy in clutch situations. Lebron was getting rid of that ball like it was a venomous reptile about to bite him in the 4th quarter, because James is so scared of failing he'd rather not try. Superstars don't need time outs to take control of the game. Lebron is the problem not the coach.

[No coincidences]

This game had nothing to do with the Heat coach. MJ never needed a timeout to be reminded that he was the go to guy in clutch situations. Lebron was getting rid of that ball like it was a venomous reptile about to bite him in the 4th quarter, because James is so scared of failing he'd rather not try. Superstars don't need time outs to take control of the game. Lebron is the problem not the coach.

I do think that if LeBron plays up to his potential, not even Spoelstra can muck this up.

So I suppose you have a point.

I just think it's Spoelstra's responsibility to reset this team when it starts to struggle in the fourth quarter. In both of Miami's losses, they were in control late. When the wheels started to come off, that's when you need a savvy head coach more than ever -- and that's where Spoelstra gets exposed.

[BigDaddy]

lebron only had 8pts and they lose by 3 i love it

[sportfan]

huh

[Wojo]

I think Spoelstra is doing a very good job.

Just a question, but how much do you think Lebron and Wade actually listen to him?

I still think Miami wins the series, but my opinion of Dirk has jumped ten-fold in the playoffs.

I do think Wade is the best player on the court. Lebron is better when he is the only stud on the court. That is an off-the-cuff remark, I would have to look at past stats to validate that comment.

I used to love watching James with the Cavs. It was he against the world.

[texhooper]

Carlisle has been pretty bad as well. Putting in Peja Stoysucavich late in this game and the last. Guarding Joel Anthony and Juwan Howard who cannot score. Allowing his team to play zero defense. Not using Corey Brewer who could at least defend Wade or Lebron. Playing Brian fuking Cardinald???

I use to think he was a smart coach but he's been clueless so far. His best move was getting a technical today to light a fire on his team. He needs to start earning his paycheck.

i agree with what you're saying overall, and the emphasis on cardinal...dude, seriously? they did win the game tonight, but come on man. as a grizz fan i know "the custodian" ain't worth a damn.

[NBA_Brosuf]

Strategy play for heat once again. It is not because James did not want a presence in the 4th on offense. If you are not a producer then why are you in the game for? Maybe for defense?

Who got the ball for the last shot if possible? The ball did not go to lebrick, it goes to wade. Once again, the miami's strategy is to give the ball to the hot hand of the game. James was cold so why would he want to step up and shine? Do you think he would get the game's MVP award had James win it on that last shot? funky projection 11+1(and 1) points for james, is that enough to get the game MVP title?

[Gtawatson]

lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat lets go heat