The Miami Heat notched their third win in four games after beating the Utah Jazz, 115-109, at Delta Center on Tuesday. The Heat improved to 5-6, while the Jazz fell to 1-10.
Six players scored in double digits for Miami, including Andrew Wiggins, who had 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes off the bench.
It was an encouraging performance from Wiggins, who is having a lackluster campaign. Coach Erik Spoelstra has relegated the talented forward to the second unit, testing other ways to better utilize Wiggins amid the Heat's slow start.
The 31-year-old Wiggins is not panicking, although he admitted that he “did not start the year off great,” as reported by the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman. While he is playing a different role, Wiggins added that it is the “same basketball,” stressing that he needs to get himself more involved, especially on offense.
“Whether I play with the starters or the second unit, I feel like I just gotta be aggressive and play free,” said the one-time champion and one-time All-Star.
“Maybe, you know, see the ball a little bit more.”
With the Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Klay Thompson getting the majority of the touches, Wiggins has seen fewer opportunities to score. He, however, is versatile enough to contribute in other facets.
He is averaging a career-worst 8.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 25.7 minutes.
Article Continues Below“Figuring it out, finding it, finding my flow, my rhythm. I know it will come. It’s a long season,” said Wiggins.
“I’m just going with what coach wants and just keep putting in that work.”
For what it is worth, Wiggins does not sound disgruntled about his reduced role, and that should only bode well for him as he tries to turn his campaign around.