NBA

Erik Spoelstra gives a blunt response on facing LeBron James in the Finals

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra gave a straight-forward response to what it'll be like to face his former player LeBron James in the Finals.

Spoelstra coached LeBron for 4 years. (Getty)
Spoelstra coached LeBron for 4 years. (Getty)

The Miami Heat just did the unthinkable. They beat the odds and became the first 5th seed to ever reach theNBA Finals, once again under Erik Spoelstra’s tutelage. Moreover, they did it with huge wins and playing beautiful team basketball, arguably the best in the league.

However, their reward could be considered a punishment, as they’ll have to deal with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and theLos Angeles Lakers on the ultimate best-of-seven series at basketball’s ultimate stage.

Then again, Heat have overcome adversities all year long and have quite a deep, well-focused team that’s clearly not afraid of stepping up vs. anybody on earth, so we’re definitely going to have a fun series.

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Erik Spoelstra Doesn’t Want To Hear About LeBron James Right Now

That’s why coach Erik Spoelstra just doesn’t want to hear about LeBron James or the Lakers right now. When asked about the prospect of facing his former player, he shut that narrative down right away and urged the media to just let him and his players enjoy this huge achievement:

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ā€œThat’s a great storyline. Can you let us enjoy this for right now. This is hard to do. It’s hard to get to this point. I want our guys to recognize that and enjoy it,ā€ Spoelstra said after the celebration, according to Heat Nation.

For those who lack context, Erik Spoelstra was LeBron James’ coach during the best stretch of his career. Coach Spo moved him to the power forward spot and James – who was on his physical prime – played flawless basketball en route to 4 rings and 2 Finals.

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Also, there is reportedly some unfinished business between James, Spoelstra, and Pat Riley. James wasn’t fond of Coach Spo and wanted him fired, and Pat told him that it wasn’t his choice to make, which led to The King going back to Cleveland.

Now, Spoelstra – and likely Riley – will have to come up with a plan to stop the man they helped become the best player in the world and if anyone can stop him that’s definitely two of the greatest basketball masterminds of all time.

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