President Obama congratulates Miami Heat on finals win

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has called the Miami Heat head coach to congratulate the team on its NBA championship.

Obama made the call from Air Force One while traveling in Florida for campaign events. The White House says the president complimented coach Erik Spoelstra on the performance of the players and coaches and said the team seemed to get stronger as the playoffs wore on.

The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night to win the best of seven series.

Obama says he looks forward to celebrating with the Heat during the traditional visit by championship-winning teams to the White House.