Miami Heat: With Dwyane Wade back, Justise Winslow is in the zone

Miami Heat Justise Winslow is really finding his groove lately.

There’s an ever-growing popular phrase making its way around Miami Heat Twitter: “in the bag.” And right now, Justise Winslow is deep inside of his.

The 21-year-old is averaging 13.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals in 31.0 minutes a game, so far in March. He’s shooting 52.1 percent from the field, and an even more impressive 56.3 percent from downtown, while looking good doing it.

The forward started the month off on the right foot, finishing the Heat’s March 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, and draining 3-of-4 from beyond-the-arc.

A few nights later, on March 5, he recorded a double-double, totaling 12 points and 12 rebounds, while also dishing five assists and grabbing four steals.

Oh, and he also threw down one nasty dunk, to seal the deal.

He continued to impress, shooting another 3-for-4 from 3 last night against the Philadelphia 76ers, for a total of nine points for the night. And added six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal to his statline as well.

So what gives?

"“Just getting into a better rhythm every game and playing with confidence and just hooping really,” Winslow said."

Easy enough. But it’s safe to say that Dwyane Wade‘s return may have a little something to do with it, too.

Having grown close to Wade during his rookie season, Winslow was understandably upset when his mentor took off for the Chicago Bulls. Although the veteran always kept a close eye on his former teammate, he wasn’t able to bestow the same type of knowledge upon Winslow anymore. That is, until he made his way back to South Florida.

Now, the two are closer than ever, both on and off the court.

Something that is without a doubt encouraging the third-year to play some of his best basketball yet.

This year hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Miami. At 35-31, the Heat currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, trying to climb their way up. They’ve been this close to the third spot, as well as fallen out of playoff contention all together; the season truly being marked by inconsistency, through and through.

And though much of the rollercoaster ride has included continued rotational changes, Winslow has made sure to simply be whatever the team needs him to be, one game at a time.

"“…just wherever they need me to help guys flourish and help myself flourish is what I’m here to do.”"

Next: Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade continues to show out after return

The Miami Heat will host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 PM ET.