ESPN Analyst Tim Legler On Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra: "He Doesn't Get Enough Credit"

ESPN's Tim Legler says he's been impressed by Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's adjustments against New York Knicks

With two championships in five NBA Finals appearances and being named one of the 15 best coaches in league history, it's hard to understand why the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra still is considered underrated. 

ESPN analyst Tim Legler recently drove that point home while discussing Spoelstra's impact this postseason. The Heat, who entered as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, are tied at 1 in their series against the New York Knicks. 

"He never gets enough credit," Legler said on an appearance of ESPN's Get Up. "How many times since Erik Spoelstra been in Miami have we ever said, `Man, they just weren't quite ready to play tonight?' Never. You don't say that about the Heat."' 

Legler pointed out how Spoelstra finds a way to use developmental players like Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin, even in clutch situations. They were the Heat's top three scorers in Tuesday's loss in Game 2. 

"That's a testament to him, recognizing guys' strength and utilizing them for that and realizing it's his job to protect them from their weaknesses," Legler said. "Too many coaches get wrapped up in what guys can't do and they wait for them not do that well and then they take them out of the game and destroy confidence. Erik Spoelstra is the opposite. If this is what you can do well, I'm going to put you on the floor to do that and then I will protect you from what you can't. He's just a phenomenal mind in this game. The Heat are always prepared." 

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