Bibby's taken a-back to Atlanta

Mike Bibby will make a homecoming of sorts Friday when the Miami Heat visits Atlanta. That's not so unusual. Bibby, a 13-year NBA veteran, is now with his fifth team. He's used to those sort of reunions.

Here's what's struck Bibby as unusual — the Heat's laid-back attitude.

"It's serious," he said. "But also, you come here, and I've had a couple of practices, and it's fun."

The veteran point guard arrived eight games ago, when the Heat (46-22) was embroiled in a season-worst five-game losing streak and buried under some of the heaviest doubting of the season. They couldn't finish games. They couldn't defend the 3-point shot. They couldn't beat top teams. It was a disaster.

But then came the glorious three-game winning streak that included victories over the Lakers, Grizzlies and Spurs. The defense was back. The supporting cast was contributing. Life was good.

However, that was followed Wednesday by a 96-85 loss to Oklahoma City.

Through it all, Bibby (5.8 points, 1.5 assists per game with Miami) has noticed something about his team.

"I look on the side and you think they're all business, but you come in here and it's a lot of jokes and everybody is going at one another having fun," he said. "They've been with each other long enough (they know) at times like that you've got to stick together.

"It's us against everybody. I think we did a good job doing that."

Bibby, the brother-in-law of Heat guard Eddie House, is still learning how things work with the Heat. And, as with most new players, he has been taken aback a bit by the defensive mindset that permeates the franchise.

"It's a lot different as far as the defensive mindset they had out there (in Atlanta) and the defensive rules they have (in Miami) are different," said Bibby, not known for his defensive skills.

Offensively, Bibby, who is shooting .485 from the field with Miami, has been earning more trust from teammates and coach Erik Spoelstra. He has been splitting time with starter Mario Chalmers and running the offense efficiently. The good news for the Heat is Chalmers and Bibby have combined to help form the combination they've wanted all season.

"I'm still learning," Bibby said. "I'm an older guy, but I'm still learning."