No Joel Embiid or Jimmy Butler under the tree, Sixers and Heat fans were undoubtedly disappointed. The Christmas poster had lost a little of its magic. But not for everyone since Jaime Jaquez Jr. took full advantage of it.
The Miami rookie had a big game, the most successful of his career with 31 points (11/15 shooting) and 10 rebounds. He had never scored so many points, his (former) record being 24 points.
“It’s definitely special. A victory, a personal best at Christmas »he delivers to ESPN. “I grew up watching these matches. So giving your best performance that evening comes down to the work done, the long evenings in the gym, getting ready. »
If Luka Doncic became one of the rare players to score 50 points during a “Christmas Game”, Jaime Jaquez Jr. for his part became the first rookie to compile 25 points and 10 rebounds on a Christmas evening since Patrick Ewing. It was 1985!
31 points while making his way
Above all, he was invaluable in Miami's success, scoring 10 points in the last quarter, while the Sixers came back after being 21 points behind.
“I don’t think I called a single system for him in this game,” confesses Erik Spoelstra. “He did it with his offensive rebounds, in transition, with cutting, with winning baskets. So we don't have the impression that he scored 30 points. »
Nick Nurse saw Jaquez Jr's 31 points. “He went where he wanted to go”regrets the Philadelphia coach. “He did some damage near the circle. On the rebound, on throw-ins, on cuts, he made his way. He made a lot of important baskets when the Heat needed them. »
| Jaime Jaquez, Jr. | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | MIA | 29 | 29 | 50.5 | 38.1 | 83.9 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 3.7 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 13.1 |
| Total | 29 | 29 | 50.5 | 38.1 | 83.9 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 3.7 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 13.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
