Miami Heat: 2017-18 player grades for Josh Richardson
By Simon Smith
Highlights
In addition to his elite defensive exploits, Richardson also filled up the box score in some other areas over the course of 2017-18.
The most notable performance was Richardson’s career-high 30 points against the league-leading Houston Rockets. Playing a team-high 39 minutes, Richardson hit an astounding 7-of-9 from 3-point range, while also adding five assists and four rebounds.
While his shooting numbers were off the charts, Richardson also got it done defensively, finishing with a game-high four deflections, along with one steal and one block. Unfortunately for Richardson and the Heat, the Rockets finished on top, 109-101.
.@MiamiHeat wing Josh Richardson says his career-best 30-point night was a result of everyone trying to pick up the slack with Wayne Ellington and Kelly Olynyk both out against the Rockets. #HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/inDgVVCvUk
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) February 8, 2018
Another elite performance from Richardson came during an early season win over the Los Angeles Clippers. In 36 minutes, Richardson scored 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, which included hitting 6-of-8 from long range. Additionally, the 24-year-old recorded three rebounds and three blocks while being a +8.
A further terrific performance came during Richardson’s excellent month of December, when the third-year swingman scored 27 points on a sizzling 11-of-14 from the field. Playing 35 minutes, Richardson contested a team-high 13 shot attempts and was a +7 while on the floor.