Josh Richardson Breaks Out of His Extended Slump at the Perfect Time

It’s been a rough season so far for Josh Richardson, but against the New York Knicks, we saw a glimpse of the player we thought we’d see this year.

Welcome to the Hot Hand, where after every Miami Heat game win or loss we recognize the player who best put his stamp on the game.

With Dion Waiters still nursing a bum ankle — and the Miami Heat desperate for victories to keep their position in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race — someone not named Goran Dragic needed to step up against the New York Knicks.

Thankfully, someone did. And that someone was second-year 2-guard Josh Richardson.

Coming into Wednesday night’s game against New York, Richardson had made just 11 of his previous 33 attempts from the floor. Overall, his sophomore campaign has been marred by injury, inconsistent play and poor shooting from deep.

But none of that mattered against the Knicks. Richardson finished the game with 17 points on a tidy 12 shot attempts, to go with five steals and three three-pointers.

Numbers aside, his defense was instrumental in giving the Heat multiple “pick-six” opportunities. For those who don’t know what that means, please observe:

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/847244799069401088

Most NFL fans understand the phrase, but in a basketball sense, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra loves to use it to describe turnovers that lead to direct baskets.

Richardson had a couple of those plays tonight. And with Miami’s offense struggling recently without Waiters, every easy bucket is all the more important.

Miami (37-38) now has the chance to get to .500 on Friday night, when they play host to these same Knicks. A win would not only help the Heat inch closer to locking up a playoff spot, but also give them a 26-8 record over their last 36 outings. Currently, they are in possession of the no. 7 seed in the East. What an insane, improbable, incredible turnaround this has been.

Notes

Hassan Whiteside had a quiet night in the statistical sense (11 points and 9 rebounds), but still had a positive impact on the game.
- Miami’s center blocked four shots and led the team with a ridiculous plus-23 plus/minus. Although he picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter, he was able to defend without getting anymore in the final period of the game.
- Whiteside has truly been excellent over the past few weeks. Great to see him not just chase stats.
On the second night of a back-to-back, Goran Dragic did not show his age.
- The 30-year-old point guard put up 20 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists, while making all seven of his free-throw attempts. Not bad, vet.
- James and Tyler Johnson combined for 30 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and two monster fourth-quarter dunks.