Q: The Heat’s recent collapse is stunning. What’s perhaps most telling that this is not merely a transient lull but rather that the team has regressed to its talent mean is Erik Spoelstra’s approach from the sideline.  Back when there were more wins than losses, the coach would be irate at every defensive lapse. Spoelstra’s emotive timeout calls as he stormed onto the court cursing the gods was a delightful feature of every game. That is gone. There are no angry timeout calls. Postgame interviews are full of platitudes about rallying together and fighting through it. No accountability call-outs or reprimands. Has the Miami Heat’s coaching staff and front office resigned to the reality of the limitations of this roster?  – Alejandro, New York.

A: First, I’m not sure there is any more dramatic move than trading away a leading presence in the locker room. ...And there have been firm directives to players about what needs to change, including Tyler Herro’s preference for two-point pull-up shots. ...So messages have been sent. It will be interesting, though, to see the approach at Tuesday’s practice, the first for the Heat since Terry Rozier has been acquired. Expect to hear the words “Hunger Games.”

This is now literally uncharted territory for Erik Spoelstra. Never before has one of his teams lost seven straight. He may not know what to do.  I am surprised Ira pushed back on the reader's comment/question. It was Ira who just a few days ago wrote that Spoelstra is always Mr. Positive. I agree with the reader. The collapse is stunning, the team has regressed to its 10-year talent mean and this is the time for chair-throwing screaming not the glass is half full emptiness.

Q: Jimmy Butler has infested this franchise with apathy towards the regular season. ...

A: Hard to disagree...the way Jimmy Butler is such a dramatically different player between regular season and the playoffs. ... As it is, Jimmy clearly was the most driven Heat player these past two games. He did his part.