Things looked grim for Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat after Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
It looked like he had no control over his team as he and Dwyane Wade had a heated discussion on the bench. Miami looked like they had lost respect for their four-year coach.
Stan Van Gundy had been fired and Spoelstra looked like he was coaching his way onto the hot seat.
They lost Game 3 and were down 1-2 in the series against the Indiana Pacers.
Wade had just 5 points and the Heat looked like they were about to implode, destroying any chances of making a second trip to the NBA Finals.
LeBron James followed this altercation with a 40-point Game 4 performance. Wade had 30 points and all seemed well in Miami.
Spoelstra and Wade apparently got over their struggles as the faced the Boston Celtics.
In this series, once again, the Boston Celtics made the Heat sweat. Spoelstra looked incapable of competing against a Doc Rivers, a high caliber head coach.
Somehow, Spoelstra and Miami weathered the storm and won the series in seven games.
Well, they won because James stepped up to the occasion and dominated the Celtics late in the series.
Spoelstra could probably thank James for saving the season and winning the championship.
In reality, Spoelstra has to be given credit for a few things.
He was able to draw the proper plays late in the games that allowed the Heat to hide their lack of length and strength against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Spoelstra has also been able to keep the Heat locker room loose. He has done a good job with the ego-filled superstar roster that was acquired for him in 2011.
For two consecutive seasons Spoelstra, who is 41-years old, has led the Heat to first place in the Southeast Division and two straight Finals appearances.
The quarrel he had with Wade is in the rear back mirror now as the Heat captured the championship. Heat players were able to trust Spoelstra and he will be rewarded with a job now that they were able to win it all in 2012.
