James Jones Scores 20 in Heat's Frist Win of 2010

James Jones scored 20 points and outscored LeBron James, 16, and Chris Bosh, 15. Jones who played for 30 minutes was 7-10 including 6-9 from three-point land. Jones also had a one steal, one rebound and one blocked shot in the Miami Heat’s first win of the 2010 season over the Philadelphia 76ers 97-87.

Jones was the triggerman on this night, and he rarely missed. He drained his sixth three-pointer of the game with 1:36 left in the third quarter to give the Heat a 76-53 lead. It capped a 25-8 run that offered a glimpse of the Heat's offensive potential. Wednesday was the first time Jones played back-to-back games in two seasons, and his role has expanded quickly since sixth man Mike Miller fractured his thumb last week.

``Tonight it happened to be James, but it was the unselfishness of the guys setting screens, creating some kind of situation where the ball can move, hunt down the open man and find the ball in his hands,'' Spoelstra said. ``That's what we anticipated two years ago when we signed [Jones] -- to space the floor and also shoot it quickly, and that's what he did tonight.''

The 6-8 forward found his form in the first half with four three-pointers and then put the game away in the third with two more, which sandwiched a three-pointer by Eddie House. His six three-pointers tied a career high.

``I couldn't be more fortunate than to have the players that I do on this team,'' Jones said. ``To be physically feeling the way I am now, which is strong, stable especially with my wrist. I'll just continue to get better and try to become a more reliable more efficient shooter because I'll need to do that to make the game easier for these guys.''



(miamiherald.com)