Miami Heat: Josh Richardson continues to grow as a leader

The Miami Heat finally clinched another win under their belt, as they came out strong 103-96, over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.

It’s time for another round of Miami Heat Game Day Observations, where we take a look at the player that had the most impact in the team’s previous game.

There were actually a few players that had solid performances in the 103-96 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Hassan Whiteside had another double-double, with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo also played a great game, with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

But it was Josh Richardson who had biggest impact, especially in the fourth quarter, scoring 27 points in total (and 12 alone in the final period).

First Quarter

Wayne Ellington helps to pave the way for Richardson’s first make of the game, as he knocks away a pass, starts a fast break, and ultimately leads to Whiteside finding Richardson for a layup.

Ellington does much of the same again, after James Johnson drives to the basket and dishes it out to Ellington, who finds a wide-open Richardson, resulting in a 3.

The swingman keeps the 3’s coming too, this time off a fast break, with an assist from Rodney McGruder.

His game isn’t perfect though. For instance, he fouls Jabari Parker as he goes up for a dunk. And then misses a layup, that is fortunately cleaned up by Adebayo.

But he keeps on, keeping on.

The fourth year grabs a rebound off of a missed hook shot by Robin Lopez. And blocks a shot by Zach LaVine in the paint.

Finally, at 1:46, he gets some rest.

Second Quarter

Richardson finds himself back in the game at 7:21.

Suddenly, he’s In the corner. He pump-fakes, takes one dribble and splash…just like that, he adds another trey to his name.

Unfortunately, he then finds himself in a bit of foul trouble, after he draws contact on Justin Holiday.

So at 2:04, he’s replaced by Dwyane Wade, and ends the half with 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, and one rebound.

Oh, and the Heat are up 60-39.

Third Quarter

In true third quarter fashion, the period starts off with Holiday nailing a corner 3 in Richardson’s face.

Not to fear though; the young fella gets him back.

After another Ellington steal, Richardson goes on a fast break and slams one in.

(Take that, Bulls.)

From then on though, things become a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Including LaVine hitting a jumper right over Richardson, and cutting the deficit to 12.

Richardson is doing what he can, including finding Wade under the rim for an easy layup, but Chicago is closing in. And he’s getting visibly tired.

So at 2:31, he’s replaced by Justice Winslow.

Fourth Quarter

It’s 8:49 and Richardson is back. Right in time too, as the score is now 81-77.

(Obviously, the third quarter woes reared their ugly heads again.)

Richardson is called for his third foul, but fortunately, this only gasses him up.

He holds the ball for almost the entirety of Miami’s next possession, and ends up making a beautiful floater in the lane.

This is followed by a successful shot near the free throw line.

And then a beautiful jumper from the blow.

The Richardson takeover is in full effect.

He doesn’t actually score the next time he touches the ball, but it’s okay, because he records an assist on a made 3-pointer by Ellington.

You better believe Richardson hits the final shot of the game too.

He finishes with 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting (including going 5-for-9 from downtown), two rebounds and three assists.

Finally, another Heat victory.

The Miami Heat are heading to Toronto to take on the Raptors tonight, at 6 PM ET.