Heat's James Johnson goes from spectator to contributor in victory against Trail Blazers

Miami Heat forward James Johnson back in flow after being banished to bench earlier in season

Miami Heat forward James Johnson was shocked as anyone else.

When coach Erik Spoelstra summoned for him to enter Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Johnson immediately raised his eyebrows. It was that unexpected.

“When he called my name, I was just as surprised as all you guys,” Johnson said, referring to the media.

Johnson had 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in the Heat’s 122-111 victory at AmericanAirlines Arena. They were led by guard Goran Dragic, who recorded a team-high 29 points and 13 assists while Jimmy Butler sat due to back problems. The Heat improved to a league-best 17-1 at home.

For Johnson, it was his first action since playing garbage time against the Los Angeles Lakers Nov. 8. It was just his seventh appearance after beginning the season on the bench because of conditioning issues. Johnson was sent home from training camp for failing to meet the team’s physical standards and never regained a spot in the rotation.

That changed with Butler sidelined and guard Justise Winslow remaining out with back problems as well.

“I get my reps [in practice],” Johnson said. “I do my normal routine. We stay ready around here. Our player development is no joke around here. When you’re not playing, I feel like you’re working harder than the guys who are playing games.”

Following his first game back since November 27th, @IamJJ16 discusses his return to the court with @kristenhewitt and her daughter Lila, who just found her new favorite @MiamiHEAT player.#HEATTwitter #NBA pic.twitter.com/thZ0M7kmVp

— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) January 6, 2020

Spoelstra said he felt Johnson was ready in recent weeks. This serves as the perfect time. Johnson not only impacted the game with scoring but also on the defensive end. He guarded everyone from Blazers guard Damian Lillard to Carmelo Anthony to Hassan Whiteside at center. Spoelstra went in favor of Johnson over Kelly Olynyk because of matchup purposes. There were times Portland played four guards.

“He’s put in a lot of time,” Spoelstra said. “He’s been ready for probably two or three weeks in my mind where I felt comfortable to be able to put him in. He’s played well in practice. We had played well. Our rotation was fairly established. I didn’t see a need to force anything. As things happen in this league, if you just stay ready, stay with it, wait for your moment, you’re prepared for it. Then you give yourself the best chance to be able to play well and he’s done that.”