James Jones more than just a 3-point ace

MIAMI— Heat forward James Jones can do more than just shoot 3-pointers.

He's plenty capable of shooting from inside the arc, grabbing a few rebounds or couple of steals and an even assist. The often one-dimensional Jones had his version of a "stat-stuffing" game in Saturday's 97-89 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

James finished with nine points, five rebounds, one assist and a steal. Only one of his four field goals came on a 3-pointer.

"Well I'm a basketball player," he said. "This team requires me to do certain things and I try to do my job as best as I can. As we make adjustments going into the playoffs, guys are starting to get comfortable. We're starting to learn to play better with each other and making better basketball plays."

Jones entered the postseason with just 23 two-point baskets. Most of his production has come on his 123 3-pointers, but Jones played more aggressively against the Sixers. He scored one basket on a rebound put-back.

That's not to say he's ready to become an inside scorer.

"I don't even like shooting two-pointers," Jones said. "If I'm shooting twos, that means somebody else should be shooting the two. That's just a chance for somebody else to get to the rim. … I know my role on this team."

Jones played extended minutes (25) off the bench because swingman Mike Miller tweaked his already injured left thumb. Miller played just three minutes before leaving the game in the first quarter.

"If I'm playing, I'm still expected to do the same things I've been doing all year," Jones said. "If Mike is playing, it's the same. Whether or not, I play a lot or he plays a lot, it will be determined by our coach. We understand. It may be me today, him tomorrow. As long as it's his number or my number, we both have to come through in the clutch."



(sun-sentinel.com)