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Français (Afrique)Erik Spoelstra wants to see a collective "grit" from the Miami Heat players
Erik Spoelstra wants to see a collective "grit" from the Miami Heat players originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Heat are still having a rollercoaster of a season because after their long winning streak, they are now on a four-game losing streak. Head coach Erik Spoelstra wants this team to perform better, especially when they play against high-energy teams.
During Saturday's loss to the Houston Rockets, they were playing against a team filled with athletic players like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, who hit the game-winning putback. Spoelstra wants his players to be more competitive against every team and match what they are facing.
Spoelstra demands more "grit" from the Heat
The Heat was on the way to a win against the Rockets, as they held a 10-point lead. Unfortunately, the Heat let go of the rope and lost their hold on the game. In the fourth quarter, the Rockets out-scored the Heat 36-26, which was the key difference in the game.
Spoelstra was not a big fan of what transpired during the game because he felt the Rockets out-worked the Heat. This was most evident during the last player when Thompson scored the game-winning putback because the Heat could have rebounded the ball.
MORE: Spoelstra wants the Heat to keep seizing the moment during their recent winning streak
Tyler Herro had the Thompson matchup, but the latter managed to squeeze his way through traffic and get the putback. If the Heat were more focused on getting the rebound, they could have snapped their three-game losing streak.
Unfortunately, that losing streak has been extended to four now. This has led to Spoelstra himself showing his desire for what the Heat needs to go through in the short-term future.
"When you say you have to develop some grit, you have to go through it. There are consequences. When you feel these kinds of emotions and feel like every possession does matter. Part of the grit is that you have to go through some pain. We're going through some pain right now, and that's going to make us better," Spoelstra said about what his team is going through to be a better squad.
He knows the players are struggling, but he also knows that they have to take charge. It is challenging to keep up with most teams in the league, but the Heat have to put in an effort to remain competitive becuase they could slip in the Eastern Conference standings.
More NBA news:
- Rich Paul warns the rest of the NBA because of a Heat team that can be quite talented
- Kel'el Ware had a historic shot-blocking performance for the Heat
- Bam Adebayo shows his support for Kel'el Ware in his relationship with Erik Spoelstra
- Dwyane Wade provides some harsh yet true criticism for his beloved Miami Heat
- Andrew Wiggins believes the Miami Heat is much better than the Play-In Tournament
TST Images: UCLA beat California Baptist University 96-43 at Pauley Pavilion
Los Angeles, Calif. - UCLA defeated California Baptist University 96-43, at Pauley Pavilion on March 21, 2026 and The Sporting Tribune's Edwin So was there to capture the following TST images.
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU guard Shawnessy Nordstrom #3 drives to the basket during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU guard Chance Bucher #10 looks for a team mate during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 takes a jump shot during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA head coach Cori Close watches the action during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU head coach Jarrod Olson watches the action during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez #11 drives hard to the basket during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU forward Amanda Muse #33 celebrates after team mate Shawnessy Nordstrom #3 made a three point shot during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez #11 brings the ball down court during a fast break during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA forward Sienna Betts #16 makes a move to the basket during a fast break during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 eyes the ball during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU guard Shawnessy Nordstrom #3 battles for the rebound during a fast break during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA guard Gianna Kneepkens #8 dives for the loose ball during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 takes a shot in the paint during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA Charlisse Leger-Walker #5 dribbles the ball down court during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU guard Sofia Alonzo drives to the basket during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Footy legend Gorden Tallis hits back after the team he won grand finals with ERASED him in 'petty' move
He was a cornerstone of the Brisbane Broncos teams that won three premierships - but that didn't matter when the club struck back at Gorden Tallis after his recent criticisms.
Erik Spoelstra wants to see a collective "grit" from the Miami Heat players
The Heat lost to a last-second shot against the Rockets, which was their fourth-straight defeat. Now, Spoelstra continues to demand more from his players.