Takeaways from the Miami Heat’s closeout over the Utah Jazz

It was a close call for the Miami Heat, as they finished on top against the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon.

The Miami Heat have done it again.

Marking their fourth victory in a row, the men of South Florida were able to take down the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon, 103-102. It was all hands on deck as six players finished in double figures, with only nine seeing time period.

And while they may have let the game slip away for a minute there, in the end the Heat were able to rally together and get the job done.

Here are some things that stood out in Miami’s closeout.

Josh Richardson Is The Man

The swingman has stepped things up recently, so much so that it’s safe to say he’s the face of the Heat’s future. Averaging 20 points in 39 minutes this month, Richardson finished today’s matchup with 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals. He was efficient offensively. Fought hard defensively. And showcased a high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. He hasn’t just grown into a better player himself, but has worked towards making his teammates better too.

Oh, and it was the 24-year-old’s smooth drive to the rim that basically sealed the deal against the Jazz. Cool as a cucumber, even in crunch time.

James Johnson’s Value Cannot Be Found On Paper

For whatever reason, the verdict still seems to be out on the co-captain. A real shame, considering how unique of a player Johnson has turned out to be. Totaling 13 points and 11 rebounds today, the 30-year-old shot 6-for-12 from the field (including a monster dunk that had the entire arena up in arms). However, the boxscore never really tells the whole story when it comes to Johnson. Which explains why head coach Erik Spoelstra kept him out there for 33 minutes on Friday against the New York Knicks, despite finishing with just four points, four rebounds and six assists. His energy alone is enough to lift the team up, especially alongside Kelly Olynyk.

Hassan Whiteside Is Still Finding His Footing

This season hasn’t been too kind to the big fella. Between being sidelined with injuries twice and having half of Heat Nation asking for a trade, 2017-18 hasn’t been Whiteside’s year. At least not yet. And there’s still work to be done. With both rotations and overall style of play changing during his absence, the 7-footer now has to adapt to a new role. Which is clearly going to take some time.

Nevertheless, Whiteside did good today. Recording 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, the center saw 26 minutes of play. He kept his energy up and was engaged, even when plays weren’t being run through him.

Next: Heat chemistry could end up stranding Justise Winslow and Dion Waiters

The Miami Heat are back on the up-and-up, and will head on the road to visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, January 9.