It’s been all or nothing for Johnson
Veteran forward has admittedly hit some post-surgical rough patches
said. “He’s got to work to find a way to help the team, but we knew it was going to be a process. We know how important he is to our success.”
Now 12 games into his comeback, Johnson made his season debut Nov. 18. While the expectation was that it would take a month to regain his timing, he often has looked sluggish and out of sync.
“It’s a lot harder when you’re on the road,” Johnson said of working his way back. “You can’t really get [in] a gym and shoot it out, try to work out things you did wrong and try to find a rhythm by yourself when no one’s watching.”
Teammates, of course, are watching and pulling for a turnaround that is essential to the rest of the roster.
“Obviously I feel for him because I know what he’s capable of,” guard Tyler Johnson said. “But at the same time he’s the type of person that doesn’t want anybody feeling bad for him. It’s not a matter of us, especially me, patting him on the back because he knows what he’s capable of.”
When the Heat are at their best, it often is because James Johnson is at his best.
“He knows that,” Tyler Johnson said. “And I think that’s where the frustration comes in because sitting out that long and wanting it all to come back right away is very difficult.
Heat at Grizzlies
When/Where: TV: Scouting report: This is the first game of the twogame season series, with the teams playing Jan. 12 at AmericanAirlines Arena . . . The Heat swept the two-game series last season, their first sweep since 2006-07 . . . The Heat have won their last two visits, after losing their previous five . . . This is the fifth stop on a six-game trip that ends Sunday in New Orleans . . . The game is the second on a three-game homestand for the Grizzlies and opens a back-toback set for Memphis that concludes Saturday against the visiting Rockets . . . The Grizzlies have gotten off to a solid start behind the resurgent play of point guard Mike Conley . . . Goran Dragic (knee) is doubtful for the Heat, with Dion Waiters (ankle) out, and Yante Maten and Duncan Robinson on G League assignment . . . For the Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks (knee), Jevon Carter (knee) and Chandler Parsons (knee soreness) are out, with Yuta Watanabe on G League assignment.
“He’s still getting his feet under him from an injury that you’re debilitated, where you’re not even allowed to run. You’re not even allowed to be on your feet.”
The adjustment for James Johnson has been about more than his postsurgical footing.
“It’s just hard because they’re playing me a little different now,” he said. “I’ve got to watch more film and figure it out, but it’s harder for me to trigger guys and get guys going.
“They’re backing up a lot more, going under, switching things that I used to punish ’em for. Right now, I’m just trying to find my right way on this team and find out what’s needed of me and, at the same time, still build my confidence in my game.”
And Johnson is also trying to get back to the most meaningful minutes.
“My goal is to start playing in the fourth quarter,” he said. “I know I’m not there yet and I know that’s a big responsibility, but I’m willing to work hard and try to get that back.”
Getting there: Wednesday was Wayne Ellington’s first action in four games, having missed two for the funeral of his grandmother and then being held out of Monday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He played 16:56 off the bench against the Jazz, shooting 2 of 7 from the field, including 1 of 5 on 3-pointers.
“It felt great to be out there,” he said. “I felt great with my conditioning. A little bit of my rhythm was a little off. There’s nothing you can really do to simulate game rhythm, but that will come.”