By Josh Cohen July 2, 2016
ORLANDO – Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson are two of the more prominent players participating at the 2016 Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League. Therefore, some pressure exists for each of them to show they’ve made progress after helping the Miami Heat advance to the conference semifinals and push the Toronto Raptors to a decisive Game 7.
While it’s just one game – an exhibition in fact – both Winslow and Richardson looked confident and ready to take the next step in their careers.
They combined for 38 points and were each terrific defensively as the Heat rolled past the Los Angeles Clippers, 91-71.
“They both led as veterans are supposed to do,” Head Summer League coach Juwan Howard said. “It inspired the entire group.”
Though his percentage may not have been overly impressive – 6-for-15 overall and 2-for-6 from 3-point range – Winslow showed no hesitation with his outside jump shot. A 27 percent long distance shooter during his rookie season, Winslow took advantage when the defense sagged off him and attacked when the lane was open. He racked up a game-high 21 points and added four rebounds and four assists.
“Being able to play at my pace allowed me to be successful tonight,” Winslow said. “The biggest thing for me is trying to be a leader. Trying to be the loudest one out there. We had a good time out there today.”
J-Rich, similarly, picked up where he left off during his stunning rookie season. A player some thought could be left off an NBA roster at this time a year ago, Richardson looks like he has what it takes to not only last in the league a while but also have a huge impact. He finished Saturday’s win with 17 points and four assists.
“Biggest thing going into this Summer League is working on my point guard abilities,” Richardson said. “People know I can score it. I’m trying to work on my reads and make pocket passes and just make the right play.”
The Heat limited the Clippers to just 35 percent shooting from the field and 3-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. Miami was among the best defensive teams in the NBA this past season.
L.A.’s first round draft pick, Brice Johnson, had a forgettable first half before showing some good signs late in the game. He was held scoreless over the first three quarters before posting six points in the final 4:28 of the game. Branden Dawson led the Clippers with 14 points, while Vince Hunter scored 11 and Royce O’Neale had 10.
The Heat and Clippers will both be in action on Sunday. Miami takes on New York at 3 p.m. ET, while L.A. meets up with Oklahoma City at 5 p.m.
