Justise Winslow filled the box score the Miami Heat’s debut win over the Orlando Magic.
With so much talk of Justise Winslow’s opportunity to become the new face of the franchise, Wednesday night’s 108-96 win over the Orlando Magic provided our first look at the 20-year-old forward in his new role in meaningful basketball.
Finishing the game with 15 points (he reached that total just twice last season) and seven rebounds, Winslow took command of the offense on several occasions, using his one-on-one ability and improved ball handling to draw the defense in. Despite shooting at least two airballs, he didn’t look bad putting the ball in the basket for a player not known for his outside shooting as he finished 7-for-15 from the floor.
Breaking free of the “D and no 3” label that was attached to him last year, Winslow frequently displayed the brilliant decision-making and ball handling that had scouts gawking at Duke:
Justise ➡️ Tyler https://t.co/sHqFFjo1V8
— Willie Beamen (@joshbaum33) October 27, 2016
He finished with four assists, and kept the ball moving as a key cog in Miami’s ball-sharing system.
Can’t forget defense, can we? Adding two blocks and a steal, his tendencies on that side of the ball are still as solid as you can ask from a second-year player. No doubt Winslow picked up where he left off last year in that department.
While the jumper appears to still be a work-in-progress, Winslow still managed to drop buckets the old fashion way, finishing this impressive drive to the basket with Serge Ibaka draped all over him:
Oh and in case you missed his emphatic fourth quarter slam, here it is in all its glory:
Moments like those should remind the casual fan that there’s more to basketball than outside shooting, and shows exactly why Pat Riley was beyond lucky to stumble upon Winslow at the 10th overall pick, with nine previous suitors passing on him for the likes of Stanley Johnson and Frank Kaminsky.
Next: Grading the Heat's win over the Magic
After all the opening night overreactions come to pass, we’re all going to see what Winslow is really made of. His development is key in Miami’s success this season. If he’s able to carry on this level of play consistently, we very well could be looking at a team that can compete for a playoff spot.