After conceding 147 points in an 18-point blowout loss (147-129), the first thing a coach would likely talk about is the defensive scheme. And the last thing would be backing his players for their effort on the floor. However, on Wednesday, we saw the opposite, as Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra stood by Bam Adebayo & Co. after their loss to the Boston Celtics. On the surface, it might seem like a regular loss, trust me, it isn’t.

Defensively, the Heat have had a disappointing last few days. After giving up 149 points to the Cavaliers, a franchise record, a week ago, the team suffered another defensive collapse. It did hamper the team’s defensive rating, but Erik Spoelstra, speaking about the team’s defense at the post-game presser, said, “This is gonna sound crazy, but this is different than the other games that we’re talking about. Our guys, you know, were locked in and competing.”

Despite the defensive struggles, one of the main reasons behind the 55-year-old coach’s praise was the way the Heat responded to the Celtics’ opening quarter flurry. “There was an exceptional level of shot making on their part, you know, to start the game. There was probably a handful; we could have been stronger, you know, on balance to be able to take away some of the threes. But we were able to stay the course, you know, and get that thing down to nine.”

The Boston Celtics opened the first quarter with 53 points, the most points the Heat ever allowed in a quarter. Thanks to Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser, who put together 37 points. They carried it forward despite minor resistance from the Heat and ended the first half with 80-57, the Heat’s fourth most allowed in the first half.

However, in the third quarter, Bam Adebayo & Co. fought back, stringing together 11 three-pointers and bringing the game within reach. The Heat dropped 24 three-pointers, tying the franchise record. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as the Celtics found other ways to score.

Spoelstra added, “The two-point field goals, you know, they made a heck of a lot more than we did.” Brown & Co. outscored the Heat inside the arc with 70 points, with 58 coming from the paint. The coach credited the Celtics for outscoring his team despite its magnificent shooting display.

Can Bam Adebayo & Co. take positives out of this game?

The Heat’s defensive identity has completely collapsed. Just 10 games ago, they boasted a top-four defensive rating (111.3), but that has cratered during their recent 2-8 skid, culminating in a franchise-worst 151.5 defensive rating against the Celtics.

Standing in the 10th seed, with only a handful of games remaining, the team has a lot to ponder. At the same time, they are only 4 games behind the Hawks. The recent 2-8 skid has gravely affected the team. Even if they lock in now, they could at least make it to the 6th seed.

At the same time, Tyler Herro, speaking after the loss, said, “I like how we fought, we stayed in the game. Much different than the Cleveland game. At Cleveland, we kind of let go of the rope. But it was good to see everyone stay in the fight, keep fighting until the end.” That’s the kind of positivity that will help the Heat make the difference.