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4h ago

Heat Drop to Spurs as Jakucionis Debuts and Ware Dominates in Development-Focused Preseason

Injuries to regular guards kept Miami short-handed, opening evaluation minutes for rookies before the Oct. 22 opener.

Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) attempts to block a shot by San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Image
Mar 20, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) shoots the ball during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis (25) looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) defends in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Overview

  • San Antonio beat Miami 112-107, handing the Heat a third straight preseason loss and a 0-3 record.
  • First-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis returned from a wrist sprain for his preseason debut, posting 8 points and 10 assists as Erik Spoelstra lauded his ‘jet fuel’ energy.
  • Kel’el Ware led Miami with 29 points and 12 rebounds on 12-of-19 shooting, hit three triples, and recorded a block in a strong bid for rotation minutes.
  • Spoelstra emphasized a roster-wide development approach this season, spotlighting growth for young players over preseason results.
  • Miami remained without Tyler Herro (ankle), Davion Mitchell (calf), Terry Rozier (hamstring) and Simone Fontecchio (leg) as staff tested lineups, including not pairing Ware with Bam Adebayo through three exhibitions.