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James Johnson shines in first start of the season

Welcome to the Hot Hand, where after every Miami Heat game win or loss we recognize the player who best put his stamp on the game.

In a win the Miami Heat desperately needed, at a point in the season that Erik Spoelstra called “go time,” the coach turned to one of his best bench players as James Johnson entered the starting lineup for the first time this season with Luke Babbitt out with a hip injury.

The results were record-setting as the Heat’s 112-99 win in Charlotte saw them cash in on a franchise record 21 three-pointers on their way to snapping a two-game losing streak and getting back into eighth in the Eastern Conference.