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Jaime Jaquez Jr. Fuels Heat Bench With Versatile Burst in 2-1 Start

A faster, simplified scheme is putting the ball in his hands to unlock efficient downhill offense.

Overview

  • Jaquez followed a 17-point night with another 17 in the home-opening 115-107 win over the Knicks, posting 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists off the bench.
  • He is averaging 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 71% shooting through three games, providing an early lift to Miami’s second unit.
  • Erik Spoelstra credited cleaner spacing and simplified decisions for letting Jaquez attack and make kickout reads, calling him a tremendous boost off the bench.
  • Used as the first sub and in multiple roles from power forward to ball-handler, he is expected to remain the primary backup to Andrew Wiggins.
  • Jaquez says he aims to lead the second unit and cites offseason mental work, while the Heat have already exercised his fourth-year option as they turn to Tuesday’s Hornets game.