Miami Heat: Is Wayne Ellington getting more comfortable?

While the Miami Heat took an 113-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Wayne Ellington seemed to make strides.

Welcome to another installment of Miami Heat Game Day Observations, where we will analyze The Man With The Golden Arm, better known as Wayne Ellington.

He made his third start this past Sunday, replacing the injured Goran Dragic, and despite leading the team with 19 points, LeBron James (who scored 51 points of his own), and the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed, 113-97.

Still, Ellington played well, giving hope to the possibility of the Heat digging themselves out of the ditch they’re currently in.

First Quarter

While Ellington is already active, with the likes of throwing in an inbounds pass, but unfortunately James has reached beast mode early on; the pass is deflected for an outlet pass to James, who slams one in on the other end.

Cold take: it’s going to be a long night.

The guard may be best known for his 3-point shot, but he’s able to get to the basket, and makes an easy open layup.

What’s this? Another layup? This time it comes off a missed 3-point attempt from Ellington, who then gets back quickly on defense, and knocks away a pass intended for Lonzo Ball.

So far, the downtown shots actually aren’t working in his favor. He can’t get to the 3-point line in time to get a shot off, so he passes to Hassan Whiteside, who decides to try a 3-pointer of his own.

(Surprise, it doesn’t go in.)

At 2:15, Ellington is replaced by Tyler Johnson. He hasn’t done much to contribute yet, but he probably just needs to shake the rust off a bit.

Second Quarter

During a 15-3 run by Miami, Ellington finally hits his first 3 of the night.

And there’s another one, this time off a screen.

Unfortunately, he then misses back-to-back looks, first from a pass off of James Johnson (welcome back), and then off one from Bam Adebayo.

Ebbs and flows, apparently.

Nevertheless, No. 2 has 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, one rebound and one assist at the half.

Third Quarter

The Lakers may be up, but they clearly haven’t read the scouting reports on Ellington, who is left wide open and splashes one in from downtown.

(Seriously, how can a guy whose nickname is Golden Arm, be left so open?)

The guard bricks a corner 3, but grabs another board off a rare James missed jumper. Even when his shots aren’t falling consistently, he finds a way to stay in the game.

Apparently he’s learning tips and tricks of drawing contact from teammates Dragic and Dwyane Wade too, as Tyson Chandler is called for an offensive foul when Ellington ran into him, as he set a screen.

Well done.

Ellington comes out at 3:36 for some rest, while Derrick Jones Jr. gets some time on the floor.

Fourth Quarter

Ellington finally makes another appearance at 8:35, as James Johnson picks up five fouls.

Just like that, he gets off two more quick 3’s, including one from a crafty Adebayo hand-off.

And while he misses his next one, Jones Jr. is there with a huge put-back slam.

(That’s Airplane Mode to you, Brandon Ingram.)

Miami is now 0-4 in their Vice Nights jerseys and 6-10 overall, but Ellington finishes with a nice 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including going 5-for-11 from downtown, alongside two rebounds and one assist.

The Heat will take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 7:30 PM ET.