Spoelstra Backs Thompson’s Defensive Return Before Cavs Clash

Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn ImagesErik Spoelstra isn’t just happy about Klay Thompson’s shooting numbers. The Heat coach sees real value in how the veteran guard has tightened up his defense. Spoelstra made his point clear before Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He wants fans to know Thompson is working hard to get back to his old self.After a difficult beginning, the Heat have secured victories in five of their seven most recent contests. That surge comes with Thompson shooting 44.3 percent from deep in that stretch. But the offense isn’t the only thing that has improved. Spoelstra told reporters that Thompson’s feet are moving better on that end of the floor. “It’s not just the shooting,” Spoelstra said. “That part is, like I said, an exponential factor for us. But you see his feet moving better defensively. He’s getting closer to who he used to be defensively.”The Real Test for ThompsonPrior to his injury struggles, Thompson stood among the league’s premier two-way guards. He has lost a step, but he is still pushing hard. The Miami trainers and coaching staff have kept him accountable. Earlier in the week, Thompson informed reporters that his physical condition feels amazing. He said it is the first time he has felt this good at the start of a season in years. That health is crucial if the Heat want to make the playoffs. The team sits seventh in the East with a 5-6 record. They need every bit of energy Thompson can give them.Spoelstra knows the work is far from over. He has made other changes too, like inserting Pelle Larsson into the starting lineup. That move has helped the team’s net rating jump significantly. The coaching staff is trying to find the right mix of energy and skill. “There are certainly some adjustments we’ve made, but I wouldn’t say they’re monumental adjustments,” Spoelstra said. “It’s really been more about just really committing to our identity and doing it over and over and over.”Identity Over FixingSome people think the Heat are just running different plays. Davion Mitchell says the core principles haven’t changed. The team is just using more pick-and-rolls on dead balls to set things up. “In a way, we’re still doing the same thing,” Mitchell said. “I think a lot of times people just see more pick-and-rolls, but that’s only on dead balls. I think we still have the same principles.”The Heat are playing faster than before. They rank third in the NBA for pace. More ball screens have not slowed them down. The stats show a big jump in pick-and-roll usage, but the speed remains high. This mix of speed and structure is what Spoelstra wants. He is not looking for a magic fix. He just wants the team to keep doing what they do best.Thompson is listed as questionable for Friday’s game due to left ankle soreness. This season, he has already competed in two instances of consecutive games. The Heat will need him healthy to win against Cleveland. The winner of this game will take control of East Group B in the NBA Cup. Heavy.com reports that the Heat will face the Cavaliers on Friday within the 2026 NBA Cup group stages.