Rookie Justise Winslow plays a lot due to his top defense: Whenever Erik Spoelstra is asked why Justise Winslow is playing so much, he tells people to look at the scoreboard. And consider this: Not only do the Heat’s six most successful lineups (by score difference) feature Winslow, but among the NBA’s top 12 in plus/minus, Winslow (plus 98) and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook (plus 118) are the only two who don’t play for the Warriors, Spurs or Cavaliers. -- The Miami Herald

Heat is again learning how to gain from sacrifice: This isn’t new. Not here. Nor is it even that long ago since sacrifice became the most essential attribute of a Heat team constructed to chase championships. So, prior to the season, Erik Spoelstra sat down his five starters to explain what each was expected to give, and how much less — in terms of touches, shots, style — each was likely to get. -- The Miami Herald

Heat apparel uses 786 area code instead of 305: Udonis Haslem, one of the Heat's longest-tenured players, is affectionately known as Mr. 305. But even though the NBA is now displaying area codes on some merchandise, there's no mention of “305” on Heat apparel. -- The Miami Herald

Defense becoming staple for Heat's Justise Winslow: Two months into his NBA career, Miami Heat rookie Justise Winslow has already defended several players he grew up watching on television. He faced LeBron James the second game of the season. Two days later, it was James Harden. And then Paul George. On Monday, he lined up against Carmelo Anthony. Each time, Winslow has approached it the same. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Dragic figuring out new role at point guard: The most striking aspect of Goran Dragic’s early-season struggles is his unflinching accountability. This is not the type of fast-paced, free-flowing offense he used to thrive in, nor is it the style he thought the Heat planned to play when he signed a five-year extension. They are one of the five slowest teams in the NBA. He looks miscast for this starting lineup at times, and his numbers are down, but through that frustration he maintained that he is the one who needs to change. -- Palm Beach Post