MIAMI — Jaime Jaquez Jr. made his case for Sixth Man of the Year loud and clear on Sunday night. The Miami Heat forward poured in 26 points off the bench, leading the charge in a dominant 143–117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks to close out the regular season. Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell each added 25 points, while rookie Kel’el Ware contributed 16 in a game that felt less like a tune-up and more like a statement.
The Heat now turn their focus to the play-in tournament, entering as the No. 10 seed for the second straight year. Last season, Miami pulled off the improbable by winning two road games to secure a playoff spot. This year, they’ll need to repeat the feat, starting with a trip to Charlotte on Tuesday night.
Heat’s Offensive Fireworks
Miami’s offense was unstoppable, putting the finishing touches on a regular season that saw the team set a franchise record with 9,911 points scored. The second half was a masterclass in execution, as the Heat outscored Atlanta 74–55 after halftime.
Key Performances:
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.: 26 points off the bench, delivering a performance that underscores his Sixth Man of the Year campaign.
- Bam Adebayo: 25 points, including a powerful dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.
- Norman Powell: Another reliable showing with 25 points, proving his value down the stretch.
- Kel’el Ware: The rookie chipped in 16 points, flashing his potential in limited minutes.
Hawks Rest Their Stars
Atlanta, with a playoff spot already secured, opted to prioritize health over seeding by resting several key players, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Onyeka Okongwu.
The decision came at a cost, as the Hawks dropped to the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the New York Knicks instead of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Notable Performances for Atlanta:
- Buddy Hield: A game-high 31 points in just 21 minutes off the bench.
- Corey Kispert: 21 points in his eighth start of the season.
- Asa Newell: 17 points, continuing to carve out his role in the rotation.
Despite the loss, Atlanta finished the season at 46–36, their best record since the 2015–16 campaign (48–34).
Spoelstra’s Steady Hand
Miami’s 43–39 record marks the 15th time in Erik Spoelstra’s 18 seasons as head coach that the team has finished at .500 or better. While this season didn’t meet the franchise’s championship expectations, Spoelstra’s consistency remains a hallmark of the Heat’s culture.
What’s Next
- Hawks: Atlanta begins their first-round series against the New York Knicks this weekend.
- Heat: Miami faces Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Tuesday night, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Miami’s offensive explosion against Atlanta offers momentum heading into the play-in, but with two road games standing between them and the postseason, the real test begins now.
Source: SI.com
