Heatles Writing Erik Spoelstra's Obituary

Blame for the Miami Heat's problems is starting to shift to Erik Spoelstra

Erik Spoelstra might want to cut back on wearing ties on the sidelines because he, like his team of superstars, is becoming the ultimate choke artist.

With each bad shot and turnover, Spoelstra has to feel like the noose around his neck is tightening to the point where being uncomfortable would be welcome.

The latest debacle, a loss at home to the Orlando Magic after a blowing a 24-point lead, could be the beginning of the end for the young Miami Heat coach. No, President Pat Riley hasn't asked Spoelstra how his family situation is or if he is feeling ill, but the watchful eye upstairs can't be happy with what he is seeing.

The tombstone might not be engraved yet, but the obituary is definitely on its way to the printers.

Ever since LeBron James declared he was bringing his talents to South Beach, Spoelstra knew he would be in a no-win situation. The Heat win, and it's because Riley assembled the best collection of talent since the original Dream Team.

Miami loses and Spoelstra is the perfect scapegoat; an inexperienced coach in over his head.

It would be easy to point the finger at James or Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh for not executing down the stretch of games or keeping up the intensity while pummeling teams. Those guys are paid millions to put the round ball in the hoop.

But whose job is it to make sure the team executes and has a killer instinct?

The Heat's record against teams with winning records is deplorable, but what's worse is how often Miami has had those same teams down by double digits only to cough up the lead like a hairball.

What's even more inexcusable and falls directly at the feet (or over the head) of Spoelstra is the team's last-second play calling and execution in the most pivotal of situations.

It appears Spo is content to give James the ball in the fourth quarter and say, "You win or lose us the game." Lately, that's been the latter.

Why is it that the NBA's 3-point shooting contest champion can't see the court when the Heat are down by three in the closing moments?

The scenario has played out twice in consecutive games and James Jones might as well be in the locker room ironing D-Wade's stylish clothes for the post-game press conference.

Why is Bosh on the floor in those situations and not Jones? Or Eddie House?

The only one who knows those answers is Spoelstra.

But every late-game collapse and last-second brick off the rim has to sound like another nail in the coffin.

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