The Golden State Warriors will face the Miami Heat on Thursday. Both teams have a history of being legitimate contenders in their respective conferences and are led by two of the most well-respected coaches in the NBA. As such, many expect a fun battle between two rosters yet to hit full stride this season.
When speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Erik Spoelstra was asked about his expectations heading into the game against Golden State. The veteran coach opted to discuss the similarities between the two teams over the season’s opening months.
“Golden State, like us, have had some really good moments where they’ve looked like every bit of who they’ve been,” Spoelstra said. “And they’ve had some moments when they’ve looked like they’re trying to figure it out. We feel like we’re in a similar area. They still play an incredibly unique style with Curry and Thompson and all the movement that they have. It’s different than your typical spread pick-and-roll basketball. So, we’ll have to be fully locked in and focused.”
Golden State sits 11th in the Western Conference with a 15-15 record. The Miami Heat are fourth in the Eastern Conference with an 18-12 record. Both teams were expected to be more consistent than they have been, and both are looking to make a statement when they face each other.
Miami Heat HC Erik Spoelstra talks about the Golden State Warriors and the upcoming five-game road trip as a whole. #HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/rPLFcyBl1Y
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) December 27, 2023
Golden State has been resurgent in recent weeks and will likely continue with its improved style of play when it faces Miami. However, Spoelstra’s teams are always known for their unique and physical defense and how they generate points in unconventional ways.
As such, the Warriors will need a solid performance on both sides of the floor if they want to move above .500.
