As the opening bell rung on the Miami HEAT’s season in Orlando Wednesday night, Josh Richardson had the opportunity every player wants. On the road. Down one. Four seconds left. It’s on you.
He didn’t even get a shot off.
The eventual loss would be remembered for Richardson fumbling a catch and stepping out of bounds, but Game 1 was just that. Far more important to Miami’s season outlook, and future, than a single game was the mere fact that it was Richardson with the ball in his hands. Win or lose, he had the trust. In losing, Richardson’s teammates offered a reminder.