5 Players Silently Helping the Miami Heat off the Bench

The Big Three get all the headlines in South Beach, and deservedly so, but the Miami Heat's second unit has been a major catalyst behind their recent dominance.

The Heat are on an all-out rampage, winning six straight (all by double-digits) and nine of their last 10. Their average margin of victory over that span is an insane 16.4 points per game.

While all the media attention goes to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami's bench goes mostly unnoticed. However, we here at B/R love to shine the spotlight on the less-heralded players that contribute to their teams' success.

That's why I'll be breaking down the five players off Miami's bench who are having a profound positive impact on the Heat's dominant season.

Udonis Haslem

Udonis Haslem provides the toughness and grit that is often missing from the NBA's superstars.

Both Chris Bosh and LeBron James average more rebounds per game than Haslem, but his per-minute rebounding numbers are through the roof. He snags 8.1 boards per game, while playing just 26.1 minutes.

Among power forwards, he's fifth in the NBA in total rebound rate, pulling down 18.5 percent of all possible rebounds when he's on the court.

Defensively, Haslem is a pest. He frustrates opposing big man with his hustle, physicality and craftiness. This is exemplified by his 0.61 charges taken per game, which is seventh most among non-guards.

Mike Miller

Mike Miller was slowed by constant injury issues last season, but he's showing his true value this year.

He's knocking down 51.5 percent of his field goals, including a ridiculous 51.9 percent from behind the three-point line. He's a major reason why the Miami Heat are leading the league in three-point shooting at 40 percent.

Miller is also rebounding at a high rate, grabbing 3.5 boards in just 19.4 minutes per game.

James Jones

James Jones hasn't gotten much playing time this season (10.6 minutes per game), but he's making the most of his opportunities when he's on the floor.

Like Mike Miller, Jones is eviscerating teams from deep, draining 42.9 percent of his threes. He's also hitting 44.3 percent of his field goals and 83.3 percent of his free throws.

He doesn't do anything besides stand in the corner and launch threes, but he'll be a valuable commodity come playoff time. Every title contender needs a couple knock-down, three-point shooters, and Jones might be the best in the league.

In Miami's blowout of Cleveland last Friday, Jones showed his ability to pour in points. Despite playing just four minutes of mop-up time, he drained both of his threes and all of his free throws, finishing with nine points.

Shane Battier

The 33-year-old Shane Battier has lost a step or two, but he's still capable of shutting down the best perimeter players in the game.

Battier is a crafty defender, using his strength, instincts and technique to force his opponent into low percentage shots. He'll be incredibly valuable in the playoffs, when the Heat may take on the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Danny Granger, Joe Johnson and Kevin Durant.

LeBron James is one of the best perimeter defenders in the game, but when he takes a rest, Battier will continue to make life hell for opposing shooting guards and small forwards.

Norris Cole

Norris Cole has been a pleasant surprise for the Miami Heat this season, providing an instant spark off the bench.

His speed in the open court and ability to score at a high rate make him one of the best backup point guards in the league. He's a fairly efficient shooter (41.5 percent field goals) and can explode for big scoring outputs on any given night.

His per-minute numbers are great, as he puts up 8.6 points in just 21.4 points per game. He's scored 20 points on two different occasions this season, including his highly efficient effort against Indiana last Tuesday.

Cole will be a key asset in the Heat's playoff run, as he and Mario Chalmers are essentially splitting time at the point guard spot.