Although Spencer Haywood was not featured in Episode 9, 'Winning Time': The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, the viewers will always remember Wood Harris's performance as the former Lakers star. Spencer Haywood's promising, pivotal career as a player for the purple and golden ended before the 1980 NBA Finals. He was done with his cocaine addiction.

There are some changes to the HBO drama. Paul Westhead was originally the one who had to throw him out, after he fell asleep in practice. Kareem AbdulJabbar was the decisive vote in the series. It was implied that he voted against power forward. However, Harris' portrayal as the player was praised by Twitter.

One fan commented, "Wood Harris is killing the role of Spencer Haywood #WinningTime." "Wood Harris was a complete act in this #WinningTime episode. Perhaps the most impressive acting I have ever seen from him. I didn't know that he had such a wide range of emotions," another added. "Looking back, it was the right decision to get rid of Jack McKinney & Spencer Haywood. At the end of each day, you will do what it takes to win. This week's episode features Sally Field and Wood Harris. Both of them are amazing. RIP Jessie Buss. "#WinningTime" was a tweet.

"That Spencer Haywood/Kareem scene is a great monologue for Wood Harris. Although I have been a huge fan of his for a long time, this might be his career highlight. One comment said that #WinningTime was a good hashtag. "Give Wood Harris an Emmy right away. A fan commented on #WinningTime. "Listen!!! Wood Harris is a special man! Another viewer exclaimed, "This man is a legend out here #WinningTime#WinningTimeHBO." A tweet stated that Wood Harris was a great choice for Spencer Haywood and that Norm Nixon's son is doing a great job of playing him #WinningTime.