Birdman scoring from the ‘bird box’

Chris Andersen hasn’t missed a shot in more than two weeks. He’s 13-for-13 in the Eastern Conference Finals and 31-for-37 in the playoffs. And now, Birdman has a nickname to describe the area where his scoring is generated.

Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald:

While describing his role on the team and deflecting praise for his current run of offensive perfection, Andersen referred to the area on the baseline where he stands during half-court sets as the “bird box.”

“I just do what I do, man,” Andersen said. “I don’t really think about how many shots I’ve made in a row or how good I am. I just continue to do what I do, and that’s come off the bench and bring defense and energy, run the floor, get to my spots.

“If LeBron calls me up, I’ll come up. If not, I’ll stay in the bird box.”

Andersen often hides a few feet from the paint along the baseline – the “bird box” – and cuts to the basket once his defender leaves to help on a driver, usually LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. Then, Andersen uses his good hands to catch a pass, elevates quickly and finishes with poise.

Plenty of players could fill that role, but Andersen’s defense and rebounding are why he has the job. And his colorful persona is why his area of the court has a nickname.