As Andrew Wiggins got a walk-off alley hoop to help the Miami Heat prevail over the Cleveland Cavaliers, praise for head coach Erik Spoelstra came pouring in on social media as fans remembered, "Oh right, he is still an elite coach." Spoelstra admitted after the game that Miami had the play in their back pocket for quite some time, and it was assistant Chris Quinn who had come up with the play.
But whether it's coming up with a clutch play design or pushing the right buttons, these are among the decisions Spoelstra has nailed 11 games into the season.
Miami's new look offense doesn't use the pick-and-roll
When Bam Adebayo went on national TV a couple of weeks ago and highlighted what Miami's offense looks like, he painted a picture of a free-flowing motion offense that revolves around decision-making as much as anything.
For those keeping track, what Miami's offense isn't doing is utilizing a pick-and-roll to generate buckets.
Miami is dead last in the NBA in pick-and-roll attempts and in handoffs.
There is a good reason for that, considering they are first in the NBA in transition attempts.
And when one factors in the smaller nature of Miami's roster, Spoesltra's decision to go this route has been a Grade A choice.
Adjusting on the fly
When Bam went down and Vladislav Goldin was called up from the G-League, conventional wisdom would have been to start Kel'el Ware at center and have Goldin rotate in for him, leaving Nikola Jovic to roam as either a four or three.
But Spoelstra didn't go the conventional route and instead has had Jovic as the straight-up center at times.
There are still reasons to want more from Jovic as a whole, especially considering the contract extension he signed right before the season, but Jovic has looked far more comfortable in this role, and his plus/minus has been no worse than +8 in his last three games, all Heat wins.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been unlocked
Perhaps no bigger button has been pushed than the one to unlock Jaime Jaquez Jr. This new look offense has suited him perfectly and has unleashed a part of his game most Heat fans didn't see coming.
JJJ is still struggling from three, but this motion offense has freed him up to be more of a downhill attacking player on offense, which has catapulted him into the conversation for "Most Improved Player" in the NBA.
More free points
Emblematic of Jaquez Jr. driving more to the rim, Spoelstra has also flipped the script on Miami's ability to get to the free-throw line.
Last year, the Heat were 27th in free-throw attempts per game. This year, they are tied for 11th in free throws attempted, despite the fact that they are only 16th in fouls drawn.
Translation: When Miami is getting fouled, it's getting to the line.