Overview
- The Heat coach stressed maturity, professionalism and consistent intention as the keys for Nikola Jovic, dismissing the notion that the team’s new scheme is causing his struggles.
- Spoelstra described Jovic’s relaxed, laissez‑faire mentality as a double‑edged trait that enables fearless clutch plays yet frustrates coaches during preparation.
- Jovic followed a 29‑point, nine‑rebound, six‑assist showing against Portland by inbounding the pass that set up Andrew Wiggins’ game‑winning dunk in a 140‑138 win over Cleveland.
- Two nights later, he managed two points on 1‑of‑6 shooting with four turnovers in a 130‑116 loss to a shorthanded Cavaliers team.
- Jovic, 22, is averaging 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 43.5% shooting with 33.3% from three after signing a four‑year, $62.4 million extension last month, and Miami now visits the Knicks on Friday at Madison Square Garden in an NBA Cup game.