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Kasparas Jakucionis Follows Breakthrough With First Start, Shines in Heat’s Loss to Celtics

Coach Erik Spoelstra cites the rookie’s readiness after injuries opened a lane in the backcourt.

Overview

  • Inserted into the starting lineup in Boston, the 19-year-old logged 17 points, six rebounds and four assists with one turnover, drilling five three-pointers in a 129-116 defeat.
  • Jakucionis started after late scratches for Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins and ongoing absences for Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson.
  • A night earlier in Brooklyn, he played his first meaningful NBA minutes, hit his first points on a first-quarter three and received the game ball as Miami ended a five-game skid.
  • Spoelstra praised his toughness, energy and defensive competitiveness, saying he “makes things happen” and has grown more comfortable in Miami’s system.
  • After a preseason groin strain, he logged eight G League games with Sioux Falls, averaging 16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.3 steals as his conditioning and rhythm returned.