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08:31 AM ET 05.27 | He has been criticized by fans, yelled at by Dwyane Wade and blasted by Charles Barkley for not giving the ball more to LeBron James late in games. But Erik Spoelstra has also begun to earn something else from his players and opponents: credit. There was James' unprompted testimonial after Thursday's win at Indiana: "He coached a spectacular series to put us in position to succeed. He made some unbelievable adjustments." (James asserted earlier in the playoffs that because of Spoelstra, "We're never blind-sided by anything.") Then there was Bulls guard Richard Hamilton gushing on NBA TV: "Spoelstra doesn't get enough credit for the job he has done with that team. Awesome job." In private interviews, Heat players cite several reasons why Spoelstra is a better coach than a year ago: improved communication, more flexibility and a willingness to take their input.

Erik Spoelstra, Icon SMI

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May 27, 2012 09:10 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:38 AM ET 05.27 by Commerce Comet

Looking forward to Celtics/Heat.............Should be a great series.........

Not necessary... The Pacers made it a 6-game series because of their young legs, thcould run with the heat. But for the Celtics, if they cannot control the tempo and make it a halfcourt-game series, they dont have any chance to win. Also for the Celtics to win, all 4 of their stars have to play well.

JIGSAW

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May 27, 2012 10:00 AM ET

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The Celtics can beat the Heat. It could be interesting.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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May 27, 2012 10:30 AM ET

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You Can't Please Everyone, Bro.

I Love LA

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May 27, 2012 10:32 AM ET

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everyone will blame coach spo if the heat dont win a title this year

Luvher_501

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May 27, 2012 10:32 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:10 AM ET 05.27 by JIGSAW

Not necessary... The Pacers made it a 6-game series because of their young legs, thcould run with the heat. But for the Celtics, if they cannot control the tempo and make it a halfcourt-game series, they dont have any chance to win. Also for the Celtics to win, all 4 of their stars have to play well.

the games they won the pacers were not running ...if they did they would have lost because thats what the heat thrive on ...