The Heat were without their starting backcourt and flattened the touring Hornets, improving to 3-1 before leaving on their four-game road trip. They played fast, and seven members contributed double-figure scoring, but the story of the night was Jaime Jaquez Jr., who had one of his best games as a pro. He’s following up on his strong start to the season, which could make him a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year honors and the Most Improved Player crown.  

 

The Heat won 144-117 and outscored the Hornets in three key areas: paint points (58-44), fastbreak points (14-9) and points off turnovers (26-7). 

 

After the game, Jaquez said he was happy he drained two trifectas, but mostly because he went eight-for-eight from the line. He added, “You just keep the game simple, and the game will reward you.” 

 

Jaquez dropped 28 points on 64.2% shooting off the bench in 27 minutes, piercing the lane and making a pair of 3-pointers. His signature moment of the night came as he beat Tidjane Salaüan off the dribble and fiercely jammed the rock with both hands so powerfully that his body kept going and he landed on his back. He was OK, and his output lifted him to the second-highest scorer off the bench in the NBA behind Jermaine Grant. 

 

Furthermore, Bam Adebayo had 26 points and notably swished three trifectas in five attempts. Davion Mitchell had another strong showing in Tyler Herro’s place, racking up nine assists against one turnover. Pelle Larsson filled in nicely for Norm Powell, too, dropping 17 points on 60% shooting. 

 

Coach Erik Spoelstra was pleased with the bench for changing the dynamic of the game. He said, “Jaime [Jaquez] was terrific tonight and that’s an understatement…” His best compliment was that all of Jaquez’s production came within the flow of the offense.

 

The Heat’s next four are at San Antonio (Thursday), Los Angeles (Sunday v. Lakers), Los Angeles (Monday v. Clippers) and Denver (Nov.5).

The Heat curbstopped the Grizzlies on the road for the first win of the season (1-1) and had them mentally checked out midway through the second quarter. Kel’el Ware started over Nikola Jović to match Memphis’ size, and the twin bigs feasted on lobs and jumpers.

 

Bam Adebayo went on the first shooting spree, nailing four first-quarter trifectas, and he drew a charge on Jaren Jackson Jr, his fourth foul, as the Heat were up 35 points at the end of the first half. Simone Fontecchio was next, scoring 14 points in three minutes, curling around picks for deep jumpers and running in transition baskets.

 

The second quarter was the Heat’s best defensive sequence, holding the Grizzlies to 33.3% shooting. The visitors led 86-47 at halftime, the most points Memphis has ever given up at intermission. 

 

Jović and Jaime Jaquez Jr. did more heavy lifting off the bench in the second half and eventually a good chunk of Memphis’ fans got a head start on beating traffic. The fourth quarter was a formality as it began with the Heat ahead by 38 points, and they led by as much as 45. No Memphis starter played the last sequence, and the Heat’s background players such as Keshad Johnson, Jahmir Young and Pelle Larsson even got playing time together. The Heat’s reserves finished with 76 points.

 

The Heat played at a quick pace for the second game in a row and won 146-114, with eight players in double-figure scoring and five with at least four assists. The half-court attack logged 111.1 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 91st percentile. And it was the third-highest scoring game in the 38-year history of the Heat. 

 

Adebayo said they could have beat the record (153) set in April against the Pelicans, but they loosened up in the third quarter. He also endorsed the recent style of play. 

 

The Rockets let their chance to upset ring night for the champs slip through their grasp and it took two overtime periods to get there. It didn’t matter that the bonuses they got were 3-point production from players not known for their marksmanship, and their second opportunities resulted in easy baskets. Kevin Durant was OKC’s second-best player late.

But that was a turnaround. KD feasted in the first half as he was booed, maneuvering for jumpers and kickouts as smoothly as a ballerina alone in a studio. But he missed a critical free throw with 9.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Then he was spared by the refs, with them ignoring a timeout he was calling when Houston had none while tied, which should have been free throws for OKC. He followed up by bouncing the ball off his foot, failing to get it. Next, he ensured OKC got the ball back after a loose ball foul. And with the Rockets up one in the second overtime, he bit on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pump fake and put him on the line for two, coughing up the game.

 

Alperen Şengün’s masterclass, turning into Turk Nowitzki with 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven helpings, was wasted, and Amen Thompson was subbed out late because of a leg injury after slicing to the cylinder for three baskets in the fourth. To pile on, Houston left Chet Holmgren unbothered at the arc for two trifectas in the first overtime, forgetting he’d pieced them up in the first half from the outside. He eventually fouled out, getting replaced by Alex Caruso, but OKC still kept a top-grade defender on the floor.

 

Keep in mind that the Thunder were without Jalen Williams’ firepower against Houston’s massive rotation. They hung around until SGA erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of his 12 baskets between then and the last extra period, and they demonstrated championship form when they needed to.

 

The Rockets’ lack of a real-deal point guard because Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in September stung harder than anticipated. Despite FVV’s size, he is not as exploitable as second-year guard Reed Sheppard. The point of attack was compromised when Thompson was out.

 

The Thunder became the sixth squad in NBA history to win a double overtime season opener, and the first since 2005. Houston took a good shot to send a message on night one and missed. Until further notice, they’re a cut below the champs.

 

The Aces sacked the Mercury 4-0 in the WNBA Finals, completing one of the most successful turnarounds of a season ever in hostile territory. They accepted their trophy- the third in four years- surrounded by loved ones and commissioner Cathy Engelbert was showered with boos.

 

The Mercury put up a fight late despite suffering a 19-point gash only 12 minutes in. They were without Satou Sabally because of a concussion, and their 3-point defense was like a boxer who doesn’t keep their right hand up, continuously eating left hooks.  

 

They had the “get me out of here look” not long after, and Alyssa Thomas injured her shoulder in the last minute of the first half, crashing into a Jewell Loyd’s illegal pick. She came back playing rugby, but it didn’t matter because the Aces are a class above them.

 

The Aces were surgical, registering zero turnovers by halftime with nine treys to Phoenix’s two. The second half was like watching a Volkswagen trying to catch up to a Ferrari, but only getting there when the other takes a pit stop. 

 

Nate Tibbets, in boneheaded fashion, yelled in referee Gina Cross’ face and got tossed at the end of the third. He complained about it like a sucker at the post-game presser, but he should know better than getting in a woman’s personal space. 

 

And Kahleah Copper earned herself a technical foul after fouling out with 90 seconds left, down 10.

 

A’ja Wilson was too good for any scheme, claiming her third title, plus second Finals MVP. Loyd and Gray combined for eight treys. And Jackie Young added 18 digits. 

 

The Aces were the more disciplined team emotionally and defensively, plus were superior at moving the ball. Their season changed soon after Loyd moved to the bench, and NaLyssa Smith was acquired, adding muscle to the front line. 

 

Coach Becky Hammon cemented herself as an all-time leader because she believed in them when they were written them off. If anyone were to have told you that the Aces would go on to win the title when they were 14-14, you would have thought they were insane.

 

All observers can do now is show respect.

Digital Adel with his assessments of overdrafted and underdrafted players:

 

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) (Just right)

6’8 221lbs from Duke was taken right where he should be. He is a borderline generational talent who dominated all area’s of the game in college. He averaged 19.2 points per game, 7.5 rebs 4.2 assists and 1.4blks. Standing at 6’9 and 221 lbs his defensive versatility is off the charts.  Flagg is switchable on the perimeter and with his unreal 8’10 standing reach coupled with a 7’ wingspan he can size up or down as needed. Flagg shot 38.5% from three-point land in college. That was the big question mark coming into the season and he answered it resoundingly. If you are an analytics guy, he dominates those also. Aneye popping 30.4 per, 126.3 ORTG, 89.5 DRTG and a unbelievable 16.3 BPM. 

 

Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) (Just Right)

Dylan out of Rutgers who had a disappointing season as a team went 15 wins and 17 losses. It was baffling considering they had 2 top 10 picks on the team from the 2025 NBA Draft. He did it all for that team. The 6’6 213lbs PG averaged 19.4 pts , 4.6 rebs and 4.0 asts per game. He is an elite ball handler and downhill rim pressure guy. He had a DFG% of 54.6. Once he got into the paint it was over. His passing numbers are misleading because outside of Ace Bailey his fellow lottery pick the team lacked ability to finish inside or outside. Harper possesses elite POA defense and unique ability to get out in passing lanes for easy steals. He averaged 1.4 steals per game. Harpers biggest weakness is his jump shot. He drifts at times and his release is very low. He shot 33.3 from deep and only 75% from the foul line. If he can clean up his release point and stay on balance the sky is truly the limit for this kid. 

 

VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) (over-drafted)

VJ 6’5 193lbs out of Baylor may be the most explosive athlete in the class. He struggled early in the season to control his ability. He really started to come into his own as the season went on. He averaged 15pts, 5.6 rebs, and 3.2asts per game. His jumper needs work but it also got better as the season went on. He shot 34% from deep and 78% from the foul line. His biggest separator in this draft is his defensive ability making him a legit 2 way threat. He boasts some of the best advanced metrics in the class. He has a OBPM of 7.1, DBPM 4.3 and BPM 11.4. Tre Johnson could end up being special, which is why I would have taken him ahead of VJ although that is no slight to his talent

 

Kon Knueppel (Charolette Hornets) (over-drafted)

The 6’6 219lbs guard out of Duke is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He does a little bit of everything and a lot of it at an elite level. He shot 40.6% from deep, 91.4% from the foul line and an impressive EFG of 59%. He isn’t just good at offense he’s elite. He rebounds 4.7 per game and dishes 3.2 asts while only turning it over 1.6 times per game. When you couple that with his advanced metrics defensively DBPM 3.9 his overall BPM is 10.8. The biggest concern at the next level is his foot speed but he beat the close out every time in college and more than held his own POA. When switched on to bigger players he was a brick wall in the post. You aren’t moving him off his spot.  The only reason he is over drafted is Tre Johnson

 

Ace Bailey ( Utah Jazz) (over-drafted) 

The 6’10 200lbs forward out of Rutgers is extremely talented. He averaged 17.6ppg, 7.2 rebs and 1.3 asts in his freshman season. He is one of the best tough shot makers in the class. He has real shot blocking potential 1.3blks per game. Why is he under-drafted? “I ain’t got not weaknesses, and I got more than two strengths, big dog,” Bailey replied on the ESPN combine broadcast. This is a stunning lack of maturity from a kid who’s team went 13-17 while having two top 10 picks on the roster. Tre Johnson is the reason for Ace being over-drafted

 

Tre Johnson ( Washington Wizards) (under-drafted) 

6’5 190lbs guard out of Texas may end up being one of the best players in the entire class. What separates him from the rest of the competition is his work ethic and leadership. The freshman led every huddle and according to his coaches had to be held back from working out 2 hours before and after games. Johnson is one of the best shooters in the class averaging 19.9 points per game, 3.1rebs and 2.7asts  in college. He can handle, rebound and facilitate better than people think. He is more athletic than he was able to show in college due to the tremendous workload on him as the number 1 option.  He is my pick to win rookie of the year in an upset over Dylan and Coop. 

 

Jeremiah Fears ( New Orleans Pelicans) ( Just right)

6’3 180lbs guard out of Oklahoma is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Pelicans. He averaged 17.1 ppg, 4.1 rebs and 4.1 asts. He is quick as a hiccup and get to any spot on the floor he wants. The departer of more veteran ball handlers and creators should get Fears on the floor sooner rather than later. If Zion can get healthy, Trey Murphy’s emergence and Missi continue to ascend the Pelicans could have a core moving forward. He has a lot to prove defensively, his passing accuracy needs work, and his shooting is a big area of improvement that will be needed.

 

Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets) (Over-drafted)

6’8 199lbs guard out of BYU averaged 10.6ppg, 3.9rebs and 5.5asts in college. I was summarily unimpressed with Egor his freshman year. He showed a lack of lateral agility. He struggled finishing at the rim and through contact. His three-point shooting really left a lot to be desired. He shot a poultry 41.2% from the field and 27.3% from deep. When you have a team like Brooklyn who needs everything. They passed on scoring talent like Cedric Coward, defensive talent like Carter Bryant and in my opinion a better all-around PG in Kasparas Jakucionis. 

 

Collin Murray Boyles (Toronto Raptors) (Over-drafted) 

6’7 240lbs forward out of South Carolina is undersized for the position. His defensive versatility is going to be the key to his career. He doesn’t shoot the rock very well and that is what makes him over drafted to me. A large portion of the college season. He wasn’t very noticeable. He really came on strong later. He can handle the ball a little, but it isn’t a great handle. I have a lot of concerns about his fit and what role he will play. He is a very raptors type pick, so I am not surprised. I would have selected Khaman Maluach, Thomas Sorber and Joan Beringer over Boyles. 

 

Khaman Maluach (Pheonix Suns) (Under-drafted)

7’1 253lbs center out of Duke has a monster wingspan, great hands and a nonstop motor. The freshman averaged only 8.6 ppg, 6.6rebs and 1.3blks per game. These numbers are a little misleading since he played on a team with 4 other NBA caliber players. He was mainly a lob threat offensively. He showed he could play more than drop but didn’t need to with that group. He was a presence in the middle but needs to get stronger.

 

Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies) (Over-drafted)

6’5 213lbs forward from Washington State is an outstanding scoring talent.  He can score from the low block as well as spot up from deep. He averaged 17.7 ppg, 7rebs, and 3.7 asts. You must be wondering how he is over drafted. The issue lies in his career arc. He has only played in 17 division I basketball games due to injury. He started out in division III and worked his way up. This limited sample size gives me plenty of hesitation. His lack of a handle and defensive chops make this a big swing. He can defend but it is unproven. His wingspan is a major plus at 7’2. Carter Bryant would have been my pick.

 

Noa Essengue (Chicago Bulls) (Over-drafted)

6’9 194lbs forward who played in Germany is a conundrum to me. I have heard people laud his athleticism. Watching the film, I came away unimpressed. He is athletic but not top tier. His lack of strength is noticeable where he gets overpowered often. He doesn’t handle the ball well enough to make up for it. His three-point shooting is wildly inconsistent shooting a poultry 29.4% from deep. Drik Queen, Sorber, Beringer all still on the board makes this a major overdraft.

 

Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans) (over-drafted) 

6’9 248lbs center out of Marland was picked too high considering the fit with Yves Missi is very poor. Queen’s lack of shooting ability will make the two playing together nearly impossible. Queen can handle the rock but not well enough to create at the next level off the bounce. He is very strong but isn’t a great rebounder either. If he can’t space the floor, I don’t see a path to ever starting. He shot the ball extremely poorly in college from deep 20% on very low volume. Danny Wolf would have been the perfect complement to Missi.

 

Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs) (Under-drafted)

6’7 215lbs wing from Arizona is an outstanding get for the Spurs this late in the draft. His defensive ability to go with a group that already includes Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Dearon Fox is an absolute steal. His switchable defensive ability will allow him to fill a role while his offensive game catches up. He is electric in the open floor and attacks the rack. His biggest challenge will be to bring his shooting consistency up. He averaged only 6.5 ppg but shot 46% from the field, 37% from deep even if on low volume. He will be a plug and play 3& D guy. 

 

Thomas Sorber (Oklahoma City Thunder) (Under-Drafted)

6-9 263lbs one of the largest wingspans in the entire class at 7’6 Sorber is a man child. He was really coming into his own in college dominating the paint offensively and defensively. He averaged 14.5ppg, 8.5rebs, 2.4asts, 2blks and 1.5 steals per game. His season unfortunately was cut short due to a foot injury. This is likely what caused him to slide in the draft. Beware big men with bad feet. The freshman big to me was the second best in the class. This makes him under drafted to me. You take a chance on a guy like that. There is no situation I select Boyles, Essengue, Queen ahead of this guy. Unless the medical evaluations came back horrendous. He landed in the perfect spot where he could heal and not be forced back into action too soon. 

 

Yang Hansen (Portland Trailblazers) (Over-drafted)

7’1 249lbs out of China is an amazing passer at his size and position. He is extremely skilled on the low block and can stretch the floor a little as well. My concerns with Yang are defensively he isn’t very good; athleticism and strength are all below average at the next level. He is an intriguing player for sure but with Danny Wolf and Beringer on the board. There were better options to play alongside Donvan Clingan. 

 

Joan Beringer (Minnesota Timberwolves) (Over-drafted)

6’11 230lbs French center played basketball in Slovenia is a defensive monster in the making. He is much stronger than his 230lbs frame would suggest. I believe he can put on even more muscle at the next level. The only reason I say he is over drafted is because his offensive game is so far behind. Danny Wolf is a better all-around player that has such a unique skill set. I see it hard to pass up on when looking for a big, especially at this point in the draft. Expect his offensive contributions to be primarily lobs. He has a nice touch on his jump hook but not much in the low block bag and nothing on the outside. 

 

Walter Clayton Jr (Utah Jazz) (Over-drafted)

6’2 199lbs played for the National Champion Florida Gators in college. He is a dynamic self-creating shooting Point Guard. The first thing that stood out on tape was his flawless balance every time he got into a shot. When he took people off the bounce, off screens, step backs, side steps and any other type of shot. His form is flawless. The issue lies in his size, lack of lateral burst, facilitating ability and defensive lapses. I had Jakucionis, Jase Richardson, and Ben Saraf all above Clayton on my big board. 

 

Nolan Traore’ (Brooklyn Nets) (Under-drafted)

6’5 175lbs Point guard out of France is an elite facilitator and has run a pro-offense. He gives more height than Clayton but about the same lack of defensive ability. He is extremely quick and excels in the open floor. His shooting improved as the year went on, but the percentage overall was not good at 30.4% from deep. He also struggled finishing at the rim but got better as the year went on. This is close but I still believe he is the better overall prospect. 

 

Kasparas Jakucionis (Miami Heat) (Under-drafted)

6’5 205lbs guard played for the university of Illinois last season. Few players were tasked with more responsibilities throughout the season to carry their team. He was a threat every night and was 8th on my big board. He averaged 15ppg, 5.7 rebs, and 4.7asts. He played through injuries and began to wear down later in the season. One of the biggest things in his film was his lack of creativity off the bounce. His PNR reads went where drills told them the ball should go instead of reading it organically. This caused a lot of his turnovers. However, he is much better defensively than people give him credit and his foot work playing off two feet is special. He has a few things to clean up with is jumper shooting only 32% from deep but I believe he can shoot it at a high level. 

 

Will Riley (Washington Wizards) (Over-drafted)

6’8 186lbs wing out of Illinois is as skinny as they come. He really will need to develop his body to be successful at the next level. He can handle the ball for his size but lacks elite burst to get by defenders on the outside. He struggled shooting the rock from deep at 32.6% in college. I would have selected Nique Clifford over Riley. The Wizards are all in on youth but a little experience to round out the roster of young talent wouldn’t have been a bad thing. 

 

Drake Powell (Brooklyn Nets) (Over-drafted)

6’6 195lbs guard from North Carolina makes you think but this is not that guy. Powell is a defensive specialist who can shoot it a little bit. He has long arms but no handles, shot creation ability or facilitation chops. He is aggressive and will make his mark offensively in the open floor. The rest will have to come with development. His stats were meager at 7.4 ppg, 3.4rebs, and 1.1asts per game. Powell on limited volume shot 48.3% from the field and 37.9% from deep. In the GM seat I am taking Jase Richardson, Hugo Gonzalez or Nique Clifford over Powell every time. 

 

Asa Newell (Atlanta Hawks) (Under-drafted)

6’9 224lbs center out of Georgia is a sudden athlete. When he decides to raise up for a dunk he gets off the floor in a hurry and with force. This is something you cannot teach. He averaged 15.4 ppg, 6.9rebs, 1blks on 54% shooting from the field. He has worked hard on his outside shot. He ended up only 29% from deep but became much better as the year went on. As much as I like Yang on offense or Beringer on defense. Newell seems to be slept on compared to his peers. Teams may end up regretting passing on him.

 

Nique Clifford (Sacramento Kings) (Under-drafted) 

6’5 202lbs explosive wing out of Colorado state was taken lower in the draft in my opinion due to his age not a lack of NBA translatable skills. Will Riley, Drake Powell and others are far behind his offensive skills inside and outside the paint. He is a slasher, creator, and defender that any team could use. The other teams bet on potential rather than what was right in front of them. Clifford as a 5th year senior averaged 18.9ppg, 9.6rebs and 4.4asts per game. He has electric straight-line speed in the open court and excellent athleticism to match. He shot 38% from deep in college but that will not be the bulk of his offensive impact. 

 

Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic) (Under-drafted)

6’1 178lbs guard out of Michigan State may be undersized but plays much bigger than his frame. He is an excellent off ball slasher, spots up from deep and has more on ball ability than he was able to consistently show under Tom Izzo’s 1990’s style offense. Jase averaged 16.1 ppg, 4.6 rebs and 1.7asts per game. His point of attack defense was above the line night in and night out. I truly believe if he was 2inches taller he would have been a top 13 pick.

 

Ben Saraf (Brookyln Nets) (Under-drafted)

6’6 201lbs point guard played in Germany where he lead his team to the finals. The nets in one of the most bizarre drafts in recent memory keep stashing point guards. Saraf has excellent positional size that is sure to draw fouls at the NBA level. He his extremely quick and fast off the bounce. He gets wherever he wants usually that is going left. He rebounds well and facilitates well. His jump shot needs a lot of work. The bulk of his issues lie in his footwork. His balance and placement of his feet prior to getting into his shot cause tons of balance issues. There are flashes of next level court awareness. Things to clean up sure, needs to work to be a consistent POA defender, absolutely. That said, he was 14th on my big board. The nets got a steal.

 

Danny Wolf (Brooklyn Nets) (Under-drafted)

6’11 252lbs center from Michigan is more point guard than center. His ability to handle the basketball and facilitate his size is extremely rare. How other NBA teams passed on him this far is astounding. He averaged 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rebs, and 3.6 asts per game. His unique ability to take people off the bounce truly didn’t peak until later in the season. He confidently was taking guards to the rack from the top of the key. He was making high level reads. His 3point shooting needs work but he has a soft touch. His footwork is clean. The shooting mechanics from the waist up is the issue. 

 

Hugo Gonzalez (Boston Celtics) (Just right)

6’6 205lbs wing out of Spain was a tough evaluation. He played sparsely the entire season. When he did, he showed flashes of elite athleticism and a nice feel for the game. The playoff game he logged his most minutes of the season really gave his team a spark. You could see the traits and potential. It sold me on his game. He handles the ball well for his size. He has an NBA ready body. His shooting needs work but has a nice stroke that will come around with reps. The big question is will he spend the season in the GLeague or contribute off the bench with Tatum out with an Achillies injury in 2025

 

Liam McNeely (Charlotte Hornets) (Just right)

6’7 215lbs guard out of Connecticut really is all about his potential. In college he was labeled a shooter. He didn’t live up to that billing. He shot 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from deep. He has nice form but he was never able to put it together. He lacked burst to create separation in college, and I could see the same at the next level. However, he does so many different things, rebounding 6 per game, assists 2.3 per game and drawing fouls 4.7 per game. This will allow him to be a useful piece to develop. If the shooting comes around. The hornets could really have something. 

 

Yanic Niederhauser (Las Angeles Clippers) (Over-drafted)

6’11 243 center out of Penn State is a lob threat every time he touches the floor. However, he is a project of the highest order. His court awareness needs developing. His POA defense is nonexistent. He will be a full time drop defender. This will limit your ability to switch up coverages. Assistant Coach Jeff Van Gundy will have his work cut out for him there. The one thing Yanic can do is block shots. He can average 2.3 blocks per game to lead the big ten. This is also a downfall because he jumps at everything. This leads him to be out of position and pick up fouls quickly. He doesn’t stretch the floor at all. If I was looking for a big this late in the draft I would have considered Maxime Raynaud, Rocco Zikarsky or my personal favorite Lachlan Olbrich. 

 

Sources: Sports Reference | Sports Stats, fast, easy, and up-to-date | Sports-Reference.com

2025 NBA Draft Results: Picks 1-59 | NBA.com

u/hoopsprofile – 2025 NBA Draft Big Board Final | Fanspo

Photo credit: Sam Navarro, Imagn