Heat Coach Spoelstra Unfazed by Tanking Tactics Around NBA

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra focused on his own team's performance, not worrying about other teams' roster decisions.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In the Miami Heat's Sunday victory over the Washington Wizards, head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed indifference towards the tanking tactics employed by other teams around the NBA. Spoelstra stated that the Heat are focused on controlling their own destiny and securing a guaranteed playoff spot, rather than hoping for other teams to lose. The Wizards rested several key players, including recent trade acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis, in an apparent effort to improve their draft lottery positioning. Spoelstra acknowledged the uneven playing field created by such tactics but said the Heat will continue to compete hard every night.

Why it matters

Spoelstra's comments highlight the growing issue of tanking in the NBA, as teams prioritize future draft positioning over immediate competitiveness. This practice can create an uneven playing field and undermine the integrity of the regular season. However, Spoelstra's approach of focusing on his own team's performance rather than worrying about others' strategies reflects a disciplined and professional mindset that has helped the Heat remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Heat faced a Wizards team that was resting several key players, including recent trade acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis, in an apparent effort to improve their draft lottery positioning. Spoelstra acknowledged the uneven playing field created by such tactics but said the Heat will continue to compete hard every night. The Heat also had to deal with the Jazz resting their top players in a loss to the Magic, a team the Heat are battling for playoff positioning in the East.

  • The Heat played the Wizards on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Heat play the Jazz on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, known for his disciplined and professional approach to the game.

Trae Young

A recent trade acquisition for the Washington Wizards, who was rested for Sunday's game against the Heat.

Anthony Davis

Another recent trade acquisition for the Washington Wizards, who was also rested for Sunday's game against the Heat.

Lauri Markkanen

A star player for the Utah Jazz, who was rested for their game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, a team the Heat are battling for playoff positioning.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Another star player for the Utah Jazz, who was also rested for their game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“I think the one thing that we all have to keep in mind is that there isn't just one way to do things, and it's not on me or us to judge how other organizations are running their operations.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (sun-sentinel.com)

“You are free to do however you feel is the best that you think for your organization, and people will criticize it one way or another. People criticize us. We're going to compete every single night, every night.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (sun-sentinel.com)

“If we want to get a guaranteed playoff spot, then it's on us. It's not on these teams that are playing guys or not playing guys, and we're just hoping that they can hang on for a win. We don't want anybody's help. We want to handle it ourselves.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

The Heat will face the Jazz on Monday, February 9, 2026, in a game that could have significant playoff implications for both teams.

The takeaway

Spoelstra's approach of focusing on his team's performance rather than worrying about other teams' tanking tactics reflects a disciplined and professional mindset that has helped the Heat remain a contender in the Eastern Conference. His comments highlight the growing issue of tanking in the NBA and the need for the league to address the uneven playing field it creates.