Look at that record. Look at the record of the team they just blew off their own floor.
They are nearly half-way through the season now. They are winning at a .625 clip; they are on pace for 51 wins. Yes, they have had stirring first halfs before, dystopian first halfs too. No, I am not a believer in long-time Martin and Strus and Yurtseven as “missing pieces.” I cannot maintain cynicism about this season’s team, however. After a horrendous start Kyle Lowry has become the missing piece. Last night he dished 13 assists to only two turnovers. For the season he is averaging 8.4 apg, fifth-best in the Association. This season Miami has always found the plug-in piece to keep the show going. Erik Spoelstra has done the best coaching job of his career this season. Without acknowledging that he has, he has kicked his positionless fetish. He has conquered his tinkering obsession. In a word Spoelstra has changed. Look at the reaction of NBA cognos.
