Is it time for the Heat to move on from Erik Spoelstra? That’s the question many are left asking after the head coach’s recent late-game struggles. It was only a month ago that he admitted to making a “serious mental error” after he shockingly called a last-second timeout against the Pistons when he had none left! Unfortunately, it led to a tech for Spo and a free throw for the opponents, leading to a heartbreaking loss for the Heat. Little did we know, this was just Blunder Number 1 by Spoelstra.

Earlier this week, the HC committed his second blunder, surprisingly once again while facing the Pistons. Well, Spoelstra’s squad blew an 8-point lead in the final two minutes of overtime, leading to another humiliating loss. And his third and most recent shocker came during the Magic clash. As the Heat gained a 25-point lead, everyone thought they would finally snap their two-game losing streak.

But the Magic had different plans!

They outscored Spoelstra’s team by 29 points in the final period and turned the game around. Meanwhile, the head coach could do nothing to stop the bleeding despite his years of experience, as the Heat lost their 3rd straight game. After seeing Coach Spo frequently making costly errors in late-game situations, a Heat fan page even raised the question: “Is it time?” hinting that Pat Riley should fire the head coach.

Although Heat Nation does not want that to happen, they are beginning to get really frustrated as one netizen also responded by saying, “I don’t think so but something needs to change and quick…” But what?

NBA World still urges Pat Riley to trade Jimmy Butler, amidst Erik Spoelstra’s super long-term contract

Well, 3 major blunders by Spoelstra have brought a ton of criticism his way as comments like: “It has been an uncharacteristically poor showing in some games from Coach Spo, got to say” have begun flooding in. However, it is unlikely that Riley will fire him because he’s one of the most respected NBA names and has also led the Heat to 2 championships and multiple Finals appearances.

Moreover, one netizen reminded everyone, “Bro he isn’t going anywhere. He just signed a 10-year contract.” Yes, Spoelstra inked an eight-year $120 million contract with the Heat earlier this year, solidifying his long-term future with the Miami team. So, firing him after such a massive commitment seems quite unreasonable from a financial viewpoint.

So, now that we’ve somewhat established Coach Spo’s job is no longer in question, fans shifted their focus to other Heat members as one wrote, “At the very least replace his assistants.” But that wouldn’t be easy, would it? While it seems that Spo’s been struggling since signing his extension, won’t getting new faces and decision-makers around him only make this ordeal a whole lot worse?

Meanwhile, one netizen fired shots at Jimmy Butler, “Clearly the problem is Jimmy, if we get rid of him it will solve all the problems.” Well, Butler has been in trade rumors recently and it is believed that the Heat is open to assessing offers from potential suitors.

However, tonight’s loss cannot be blamed on Butler because he was not even present on the floor. Yes, Jimmy was out with a stomach bug and Spoelstra went with a completely new starting lineup in his absence. Moreover, the head coach might’ve made a massive error in judgment as he went against the initial thought of playing Kel’el Ware at the start of the fourth quarter. The Heat had outscored Magic by 26 points in Ware’s presence, but Spo was skeptical about playing him and Adebayo together in the final quarter.

That decision might’ve cost them the game. Whether it’s trading Jimmy or changing the staff, it is clear that Heat Nation wants to see change so that their team can be title contenders again. And Erik Spoelstra would need to avoid such blunders for that to happen.