December 30, 2016
It seems Richardson was on a role at the end of December.
After tying his 22-point career high against Oklahoma City on December 27 and scoring 20 versus the Hornets on December 29, the sophomore came out blazing the very next night.
On December 30 versus the Boston Celtics, Richardson totaled 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field, once again taking the place of a back spasm-plagued Dragic. In those 35 minutes, he also recorded 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks.
Talk about stuffing a stat-line.
The guard was taking care of business on both ends of the floor, evidently not at all fatigued from having two big nights in a row previously.
Now unfortunately, the Celtics took the win that night, 117-114. Sort of unavoidable, given that Isaiah Thomas put up 52 points, 29 of them coming just during the fourth quarter alone. He broke the franchise-record for most points in a quarter and set a new game career-high for himself.
But the Heat tried their best to put up a fight.
"“I’m not sure there was much we could do more,” Spoelstra said. “He’s one of the very best fourth quarter players in this league for that reason. He doesn’t shy from the shot in the moment now. Inside half court he feels like is within his rhythm.”"
Richardson was in his own rhythm though.
Next: What's next for Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside?
Last Sunday, Josh Richardson finished the Miami Heat’s first preseason game with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks and 1 steal, in only 25 minutes. Here’s to only bigger and better, for the guard.