There are not many times you see a major coaching mistake like we saw on Tuesday night. However, the Miami Heat lost 123-121 to the Detroit Pistons due to a coaching error by Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
With the game tied at 121 apiece in overtime, Spoelstra called a timeout. However, the Heat did not have anymore timeouts left. As a result, the Heat were given a technical foul, and the Pistons were given a free throw. Shooting guard Malik Beasley of Atlanta, Georgia made the shot and at the time gave Detroit a 122-121 lead.
Spoelstra is considered one of the best coaches in the NBA. In 17 seasons coaching the Heat, he has a record of 754 wins and 533 losses in 1287 NBA regular season games for a winning percentage of .586. Spoelstra has also been praised for getting the most from his group, which has not always included superstars.
Spoelstra’s 754 wins are also fourth among active coaches. He is only behind Gregg Popovich (1393), Doc Rivers (1117), and Rick Carlisle (948). Popovich is currently with the San Antonio Spurs, Rivers is with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Carlisle is with the Indiana Pacers.
The Pistons were led offensively by Cade Cunningham of Arlington, Texas, and Beasley, as they both had 21 points. The win was significant for the Pistons, as it was their fifth of the year. Detroit did not get their fifth win of the season last year until January 24.
Miami dropped to a record of four wins and six losses with the loss. Miami’s most significant win came on November 2. The Heat beat the Washington Wizards 118-98 in Mexico City.
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