Dragic feels at home

Point guard is playing well since return on Jan. 3

MIAMI — Goran Dragic stressed during the darkest days of the Miami Heat’s season how much he liked it in South Florida. Lately, the veteran guard has been showing it.

Not only is Dragic averaging 21.9 points on .516 shooting since returning from back spasms on Jan. 3, but in his past 20 games at AmericanAirlines Arena he is averaging 22.3 points on .493 shooting, including .506 on 3-pointers.

Although the trade rumors persist, his long-term value to the Heat also could be on the increase, with the Heat’s nine-game winning streak pushing them away from the portion of the draft lottery loaded with prime prospects at point guard.

“We cannot get caught up,” Dragic said of the winning streak, as the Heat turn their attention to Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, at the close of this four-game homestand. “We still need to be humble and come in every day and work hard and try to get better.”

The recent decisive victories have afforded the opportunity to stay fresh, including spending the close of Wednesday’s 116-93 over the Atlanta Hawks as a spectator.

“The last seven minutes I was sitting on the bench, I was feeling great,” he said after scoring 27 points against the Hawks on 8-of-13 shooting. “And seeing those guys playing so well, it is awesome.” we’re winning.” To a degree. “He’s got exceptional confidence,” Spoelstra said, “and if we can bottle it, funnel it and drive it in the right way, that’s a powerful thing. He is meeting us more than half way. You can see his versatility. You can see his skill level.

“He is unique in his ability to attack and he can also shoot the ball and defend. That’s the part we emphasize the most. He’s been doing that.”

Whiteside closed Wednesday’s victory with 18 points and 18 rebounds, after going for 19 points and 25 rebounds against Howard in a Nov. 15 loss to the Hawks.

No other center has had more than one game with 18 or more rebounds against Howard, let alone twice in the same season.

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Goran Dragic is averaging 21.9 points a game since his return a month ago from back spasms.