Spoelstra praises 'offensive explosion' after Heat beat 76ers

The result has the Heat in the final Play-In spot in 10th in the Eastern Conference, one game back on the Chicago Bulls.

But this victory was not as straightforward as one might have thought against a 76ers team who have now lost 12 games on the spin, with both teams going into the fourth quarter level.

"We really had to work the game, and it happened," Spoelstra told the press after the game.

"We go into the fourth tied and we had out best defensive quarter, it led us to some great energy going down the other end.

"It was an offensive explosion as well... that was great to see."

Among the top performers for the Heat was Kel'el Ware, who scored 19 points and registered 17 rebounds. While the coach was forthcoming with his praise of Ware, he acknowledged that there is still work to do, with him having registered just two assists.

"You can trust him to compete and do the right things and he's a glass-eater. He finds his way around the basket for really important relief points," said Spoelstra.

"Today I thought he did a real good job of facilitating for us. I think he had an opportunity to have a few more blocks right at the rim... if I were to nitpick."

The win sets the Heat up for a big game against the Chicago Bulls, who they trail by one place and one game. Being involved in an important game, with just three regular-season games to go, is something that Spoelstra is relishing.

"I think it's a lot of fun. Nobody in our locker room is cynical enough to think otherwise," he said.

"If you look at what's going on in the Western Conference, four through eight, this is what the league is right now. You're not above it, just embrace it and enjoy it. It's all about competition."

Separated ourselves in the 4th HEAT WIN pic.twitter.com/7jbO3vlN6d

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 8, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse, meanwhile, commended his players' effort and desire in defeat, despite having lost each of their last 12 games.

"I think that the results are one thing, obviously it's no fun that's for sure," he said.