Winslow finally finds his rhythm

Forward racks up 17 points, stars on defense in win over Grizzlies.

MIAMI — Justise Winslow’s playing time may take a big hit when Rodney McGruder and Kelly Olynyk return, but for one night — albeit against the woefully undermanned Grizzlies — Winslow at least looked like the player the Heat would like to see on a steady basis.

The third-year forward scored a season-high 17 points on 7-of12 shooting and chipped in seven rebounds in Miami’s 11589 laugher over Memphis, a game Winslow needed for his psyche as much as the Heat did. Winslow entered averagi n g 3.4 points a n d shooting 19.2 percent in his last five games. He was shooting 25.0 percent in February — last in the NBA among the 187 players who had attempted at least 50 shots.

While coach Erik Spoelstra continues to attempt to pump up his beleaguered forward, insisting he is making “winning plays,” Winslow’s numbers suggested otherwise.

“It hasn’t been easy for him this year what we’ve asked of him,” Spoelstra said, pointing out Winslow has been everything from a starting power forward to backup point guard. “His role has changed probably more than anybody on that roster. He hasn’t made any excuse for it. I wouldn’t expect him to. He just wants to be out there and con-

I it when he’s aggressive on the attack. His were a lot better tonight he’s really been working it. He did some nice things defensively as well.” Winslow fifinally had some success taking the to the rim. He had made 9.1 percent (1 of 11) of his shots from less feet in the games previous to Saturday. Against Grizzlies he was 4 of 4 on shots. Winslow was vague when asked about his struggles and success Saturday. “It just happened to happen (Saturday),” he said. “I mean we didn’t run anything differently. The ball was ing me. … “You want to score points, you want to have 20, 30 points. But there’s times you look at the stat sheet and the average fan may not see it, but I feel like coaches and players around the league I can impact the game (in a way) that doesn’t necessarily show on stat sheet.” Goran Dragic it was important for Winslow to see his shots fall. He entered game shooting 39.2 percent averaging 6.2 points for the season. “I think he was shooting the 3-ball really well last month,” Dragic said. “Maybe when he was driv- ing, those easy ones, didn’t fall in. But (Saturday) he was a tremendous twoway player, playing defense. He handled the scored a couple easy ones, made shots. When he’s playing like that it’s really easier for us.” The one area Winslow has improved is his 3-point shooting, making at a 41.8 percent He entered the season as a 25.8 percent career 3-point shooter. But Winslow, who is averaging a career-low 23.2 minutes, could see playing time reduced. Olynyk(shoul der) figures to return as the starting power forward when he’s back, a spot Winslow has held the six Olynyk has been out. McGruder will rejoin the team Tuesday after a two-game rehab assignment in Sioux Falls and add to the log jam at the wing, the addition of Wade has lessened need for Winslow to be a backup point guard. It’s been to a rhythm, especially being ins oman yd if ff ff ff ff ff fe rent units, different rotations, different positions, but I’m versatile and sometimes I feel like that can be to a fault,” Winslow said. “But for me it’s just about going out and doing whatever the team asks me to do.”