James Jones providing Miami Heat with needed grit

James Jones does not pretend to be Udonis Haslem, even though his South Florida roots are just as strong, if not stronger, considering his time at the University of Miami.

But Jones continues to offer the Miami Heat the type of gritty play previously offered by Haslem, who is sidelined by a potential season-ending foot injury.

Already having moved past Haslem for the team lead in charges taken this season, Jones provided the ultimate hustle play in Saturday's 95-94 victory over the Washington Wizards, coming up with a steal off a Wizards inbounds play with 13.6 seconds to play and then nailing a pair of tying free throws.

"We said in the huddle, 'Let's go for the steal first, before we foul,' " forward LeBron James said. "J.J. got his hands on the ball, ultimately came up with the steal."

James said he was even more impressed with how Jones, despite playing only 5:51 in Saturday's second half, then coolly swished his only two free throws of the game.

Jones closed with three steals, after failing to record more than one in any previous game this season.

Saturday's game ended on a no-call against James and Chris Bosh on an aggressive drive by Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich.

"I felt like I was fouled," Hinrich said. "I saw the replay and thought it was an obvious foul. I don't know what to say."



(sun-sentinel.com)