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Jaime Jaquez Jr. Ignites Miami’s Offence in Commanding Victory Over Hornets

Miami Heat player Simone Fontecchio

Key Takeaways:

  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered 28 points for the Heat, including 20 in the first half
  • Miami notched their third consecutive win with a 144-117 triumph over Charlotte, despite Norman Powell’s absence
  • LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds

Match Analysis

Jaime Jaquez Jr. showcased superb form on Tuesday night, contributing 28 points to help propel the high-powered Miami Heat to a 144-117 win against the Charlotte Hornets. Jaquez’s impact was especially pronounced in the opening half, scoring 20 points and bolstering Miami’s offensive rhythm. The Heat’s prolific output marked their third straight victory following an initial setback against Orlando.

The Heat managed this feat in the absence of leading scorer Norman Powell, who tallied 29 points against New York on Sunday but was ruled out with a groin injury sustained earlier in the day. Pelle Larsson stepped into the starting lineup, supplying 17 points and five rebounds for the hosts.

Player Performance and Team Statistics

Bam Adebayo contributed 26 points while Andrew Wiggins added 21, underlining Miami’s balanced offence. Jaquez’s influence off the bench was decisive, amassing a plus-43 rating while shooting 9-of-14 from the floor and leading a 58-33 bench points advantage in favour of Miami. Through four games this season, Jaquez, selected with the 18th pick in the 2023 draft, is shooting 69% (31 for 45).

The Heat finished 2024-25 as the NBA’s 24th-highest scoring side but have averaged 132 points across their opening fixtures this term. Miami orchestrated a crucial 11-0 run in the final 3:13 of the first half to claim a 76-60 lead at the break. Although Charlotte narrowed the gap to three, a 23-7 sequence spanning into the fourth quarter re-established the Heat’s control.

Miami Heat Key PlayersPointsReboundsAssists
Jaime Jaquez Jr.2845
Bam Adebayo2662
Andrew Wiggins2122
Pelle Larsson1753

Hornets’ Efforts and Injury Concerns

For Charlotte, LaMelo Ball posted 20 points, nine assists, and eight boards after having registered a triple-double in their previous contest against Washington. Rookie Kon Knueppel provided a bright spot with 19 points, but the Hornets struggled in the absence of starting forward Brandon Miller, sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury sustained in Philadelphia on Saturday. Miller had previously missed 55 games last season after undergoing wrist surgery.

Looking Ahead

The Hornets will remain at home to host Orlando on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Heat open a four-game road swing with a visit to San Antonio on the same night.


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