Richardson getting his rhythm back

MIAMI — First it was the right knee, then the right ankle, then the left foot. All the while, rhythm remained an abstract for Josh Richardson.

And then Dion Waiters went down with an ankle issue of his own, and there were consistent, assured minutes for Richardson, a second-year Miami Heat guard.

Finally, an opportunity to get in sync.

If there were any questions about Richardson regaining his timing, they were answered during Wednesday night’s 105-88 victory in New York, when the game slowed down in front of Richardson, when he again sensed plays before they became plays.

The upshot not only was a career-high five steals, but a jump in his step that resulted in 17 points, his highest scoring total since the turn of the year.

“I think it’s being persistent with it,” he said of refusing to give in to a lack of aggression, even when the statistical results weren’t there in recent weeks. “In and out is tough. Since I’ve been getting back, I’ve been getting my rhythm back the last few games.”

In his six starts since Waiters was lost, Richardson has created confidence of a place in a playoff rotation. Actually . . . places.

“He’s playing three positions for us offensively,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He can organize us and get us into offense. He can play off the ball.”

Against the Knicks that not only included starting at shooting guard, but also shifting into a ballhandling role and also taking turns at small forward against Carmelo Anthony, and even power forward against Kristaps Porzingis.

“He literally guarded four positions, including the four, Porzingas at times, Anthony, and then all their perimeter players, their guards,” Spoelstra said. “And he does it without looking at you crazy. He just takes on the challenge and works at it.

“And that’s why he’s continuing to have an impact, regardless of what he’s doing offensively. And it’s good to see him be aggressive and make some plays.”

Richardson provided a needed spark during last season’s run within one victory of the Eastern Conference finals. Now a similar opportunity could be at hand.

“I think I can get back to that. I’ll still have to see,” he said. “I don’t really worry about last year, but sometimes I just put pressure on myself to be a contributor, to help with our success.”

Okaro