Spoelstra missing game Wednesday. He has a good reason
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra returned home to South Florida for the birth of his second child on Wednesday, meaning he will miss the game against Boston.
Spoelstra’s wife, Nikki, was expected to give birth to the couple’s second son.
Assistant coach Dan Craig will fill in, with Octavio De La Grana moving to a spot on the bench, alongside Craig, Chris Quinn and Malik Allen.
This will be only the second game Spoelstra has missed in his 11-plus years with the Heat, the other coming in March 2018 when his first child, Santiago, was born. Craig coached the team that day, an overtime loss to the Pacers in Indianapolis.
“I had more notice last time. I had a day prior,” Craig joked in advance of Wednesday’s game against the Celtics. “So I had a night to prepare. This time was in the morning, when coach got a message from his wife that she was having contractions. He got on a flight early this morning. Fortunately, got back there safely and he’s with her now.”
Craig’s second chance to serve as head coach comes in a familiar place, as he spent part of his childhood living just outside of Boston.
“I would be lying if I said it didn’t,” Craig said if Wednesday’s opportunity carried a little extra meaning. “For sure, being back home in front of some friends and family.”
Spoelstra spoke to the Miami Herald last December about the joys of becoming a father.
“It’s been amazing from the standpoint, it was the most memorable offseason that I’ve ever had,” Spoelstra said. “Imprinted on my mind and memories and excitement and gratitude, all of that. Every other offseason has been just that, every other offseason. This one is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
He said sleep was more limited during the first three months of Santiago’s life.
“It’s chaos,” Spoelstra said with a smile. “My wife and I joke about it, but the first eight to 12 weeks, we barely remember that. There were some harrowing nights where not only was he screaming, but it felt like we were all screaming and crying.
“But you survive it and are able to tell some funny stories.”
Before Santiago, Spoelstra usually needed at least 12 hours to get over a loss. Now, Nikki puts their son in the bed as Spoelstra is waking up to offer some perspective after a rough night.
“After a couple losses, I normally wouldn’t say anything to my wife in the morning, just kind of grunt and grumble and grab my coffee and get on my way out,” Spoelstra said. “My wife has now made a point of, after losses, to bring our son into the bed when he wakes up in the morning. So when I’m waking up and I’m still obsessing over whatever happened the night before, I see this little guy right in front of me smiling and wanting to connect with me. It’s totally changed how I compartmentalize.
“It doesn’t affect my disappointment, anger or frustration about the night before. But I can put it in a box and be more present, and keep the main thing the main thing — your family.”
This story was originally published December 4, 2019 at 3:11 PM.
