Q: The Cavaliers are using the same defense and the same offensive sets to run up the score against the Heat that they used in last year’s playoffs. Why doesn’t Erik Spoelstra make any adjustments? He had to know this was coming. – Thomas, Hollywood.
A: Because his players aren’t good enough? Moving beyond the Bam Adebayo-Evan Mobley matchup, Donovan Mitchell is better than Tyler Herro, James Harden is better than Norman Powell, Jarrett Allen is better than Kel’el Ware and Max Strus against the Heat is better than Jaime Jaquez Jr. against the Cavaliers. Gimmicks and systems have long been secondary in the NBA to talent. That, more than coaching, is why the Heat have been stuck in the play-in mud these past few seasons. Elite talent wins in the NBA, which, for the Heat, remains lacking on the high end.
Q: Ira, please ask Erik Spoelstra why does he think he will be the only successful small-ball team in NBA history. And did this utter embarrassment finally prove it will never, ever work, especially defensively? Please Ira, be the voice of the fans. – Pinga.
A: And that’s exactly what I did before the game, when it became apparent the Cavaliers would again have Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in their starting lineup, the duo that pulverized the Heat in last year’s playoffs. Spoelstra pointed to how Andrew Wiggins played up at power forward not only earlier this season but also during his time with the Warriors, when Draymond Green was cast at center. So asked, and that was Spoelstra’s answer. (There are many more interview sessions with Spoelstra, beyond those televised after games, including pregame and at morning shootarounds on the road.)
Q: The Heat should trade everyone else and keep Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware.– Jeremiah, Oneida, New York.
A: First, a lot of the paring might come organically, with Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio and Keshad Johnson impending free agents and Andrew Wiggins with a player option. But while you mention others beyond Bam Adebayo, I would think any and all would be at least dangled for a start along the lines of a Giannis Antetokounmpo. So your “keep” list might even be more spartan.