Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Jaime Jaquez Jr. went nuclear off the bench, and the Heat destroyed the Hornets

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).