The best foot forward

Richardson, Johnson step up in Waiters’ absence

MIAMI — The preferred option would have been to have had an ambulatory Dion Waiters. Instead, the Miami Heat at least have gotten Josh Richardson back on his feet by the end of the regular season.

If Richardson scores in double figures Wednesday in the regular-season finale against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena, it would be the first time this season he has done so in six consecutive games.

Through the knee, ankle and foot issues, only now has Richardson regained a foothold on the fast track that had defined his rookie season a year ago.

“I think it’s just [playing] time, not being injured consistently,” he said. “I think I’ve had kind of a roller coaster this year with that. And just being consistent with it and being able to come out and work every day has been great for me.”

With five steals in each of the past two games, Richardson has tied for the single-game high by a Heat player this season, with 13 over the past three games.

“I think guys start getting into our defense, it kind of fuels everybody,” he said.

These past 11 games without sidelined guard Waiters also have provided a litmus test into whether the Heat can survive should Waiters not be retained in free agency.

Like Richardson, guard Tyler Johnson also has stepped up of late, with 19 points in Saturday’s victory in Washington and then a team-high 24 in Monday’s overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We understand what Dion brought,” Johnson said. “He created a lot of shots for other people. Obviously, people see his scoring. But that’s what he was doing really well was driving and kicking. It’s definitely an adjustment to try to figure it out.

“When I’m aggressive, I do that naturally, so I think that’s the biggest takeaway.”

CHUCK BURTON/AP With five steals in each of the past two games, the Heat’s Josh Richardson has tied for the single-game high by a Heat player this season.