“There’s not a better coach in the league than Erik,” said Pistons’ Head Coach Stan Van Gundy. ESPN’s Zach Lowe has a weekly segment called “Ten Things I Like and Don’t Like,” where Van Gundy made the statement.

The comment was made while breaking down the red hot Miami Heat, who are winners of now 13 straight after Friday night’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Miami was 11-30 on January 17th, but are now battling for a playoff spot. It is the perfect example of how things can change so quickly in the NBA. When the conversation shifted to Miami, Stan Van Gundy, who had Spoelstra on his staff back in his days as Miami’s head coach, had nothing but praise for the current Heat coach.

“People discounted him because he had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Gregg Popovich is one of the best ever. Phil Jackson best ever. Nobody goes to four straight Finals. Nobody. He did. OK?”

The praise is well deserved. What Coach “Spo” has done this season has been tremendous. When you take into consideration the loss of Justise Winslow for the season due to injury, who is considered one of the best young defenders in the NBA, and also the recurring injuries to promising young guard Josh Richardson, he has somehow been able to find success.

Spoelstra has maximized the effort and performance from every player in their rotation, including that of Dion Waiters who has performed exceptionally well this season. Waiters is averaging 21.9 points, 4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game during this 13 game win streak.

The Miami Heat are ranked 6th in defensive efficiency, and are currently the 10th seed in the East. If the chips fall in their favor, the Heat can be as high as the 6th seed come the end of next week.

The red hot Miami Heat face the talented Philadelphia 76ers tonight, as they look for their 14th win in a row.