Watch the game tape, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra points out, and one would hardly discern that Jason Williams took a year off from the NBA.

The same quickness that Williams displayed during his three years in Miami. The same court vision. The same passing savvy.

``It looks like he hasn't missed a beat,'' Spoelstra said Tuesday. ``He's turning the corner and making all the plays right now.''

Only Williams now plies his trade in Orlando, where the Magic hasn't missed a beat since Jameer Nelson was lost to knee surgery. In three games as a starter, Williams has averaged nine points and 4.7 assists while the Magic stretched their winning streak to five.

``J-Will is doing what he's supposed to do,'' Dwyane Wade said. ``He's looking for his shots, but he's also getting the ball to other guys, which he also did great for us. At times I miss him here doing that.''

It sets up what could be an intriguing matchup Wednesday when the Heat visit Amway Arena -- the point guard of Miami's 2006 title team (Williams) vs. the one who carries their future hopes (Mario Chalmers).

``Hopefully, our point guard will have a good game,'' Wade said. ``Jason is one of those guys that's not going to make too many mistakes. If you make mistakes on him, he's going to make you pay for it.''

Williams spent last year on the NBA's retired list, leaving the Clippers in the preseason after he joined them as a free agent. The Clippers relinquished his rights this summer, freeing Williams to reunite with former Heat coach Stan Van Gundy in Orlando.

It has been a natural fit, now orchestrating pick-and-rolls with Dwight Howard and fellow newcomer Vince Carter.

``He's getting the ideal situation for a pick-and-roll player,'' Spoelstra said. ``You've got a dominant big man who can roll and catch and finish, and every single other player has three-point range with a green light.''

Said Udonis Haslem: ``If you're a shooter, you've got to love playing with a guy like J-Will. He's going to get you the ball right where you need it and it's going to come fast before the defense can react, and you can just go right into your shot.''

BEASLEY'S BOARDS

After being held to an inexplicable zero rebounds in 23 minutes in last week's visit to Oklahoma City, Michael Beasley has responded with at least nine in each of his past three outings.

``I'm expected to do that,'' said Beasley, adding he should approach double digits each night. ``If I don't do it, I get mad at myself. It's a sense of pride -- especially when you've got guys 6-2 or 6-3 pulling down six rebounds a game.''

Beasley averaged 12.4 rebounds in his lone college season, where he often was the tallest man on the court. That has s not the case in the NBA, where he averaged 5.4 rebounds last season and stands at 6.4 this season.

``I have to work at it a tad bit harder just because I'm going against bigger, stronger guys,'' he said. ``But I think once you get into it, it's there. Once you turn that switch on, there's no reminding.''

JONES AT FIRST

Quentin Richardson (back) was held out of Tuesday's workout, giving James Jones another likely start in his absence.

Although Haslem obviously could step back into the starting five, Spoelstra prefers Jones because it keeps the Heat's rotation more intact.

``James provides a lot of things that don't show up in the box score,'' Spoelstra said. ``Even if he's not getting shots, the floor is spaced when he's out there.

``The other team knows who he is and plays him accordingly. He's also a great system defender.''

• Chalmers (shoulder) and Jermaine O'Neal (back) got in some work Tuesday, both telling Spoelstra they should be ready for the Magic game.