Heat forward Brian Grant refuses to use his lingering foot injury as an excuse for his poor play, saying he's to blame.

Coach Pat Riley is placing some of the heat on the perimeter players.

Whatever the reason, if Miami is going to make a playoff run this season, it must get more production from Grant, and the other power players.

"I've been flustered at times and been upset because I'm definitely not doing what I've done in the past," Grant said. "I'm not blaming my play on my foot, I'm just not as productive. I'm not getting the easy baskets. I'm not knocking down my jumper. I'm not getting 10 or 11 boards."

And although Riley believes Grant remains a defensive force, he has not been his old self in that area, either, allowing Houston's Kenny Thomas to score 26 points in Miami's win Saturday.

Grant has looked out of place since returning seven games ago from a bruised foot, an injury that forced him to miss eight games. He is averaging 9.0 points and shooting .407 since returning, well below his numbers of 15.2 points and 48 percent shooting last season. His rebounding is down one-half a game from last season, to 8.3.

"He's got to relax because he wants it so bad that he's not getting much accomplished," Riley said.