Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s first reaction to the Heat’s upset of Kings amid suspensions.
Despite the absence of several players, Jaquez Jr. reacted to Miami’s tremendous win.Despite the absence of several players, Jaquez Jr. reacted to Miami’s tremendous win.
The Miami Heat traveled to California with a reduced lineup and defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-110 on Monday night, their fourth straight victory.
Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Thomas Bryant were all suspended for their roles in a fight Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, thus the Heat were without them. Tyler Herro (left knee), Terry Rozier (right knee), Josh Richardson (right shoulder), and Orlando Robinson (back) were all sidelined by injuries.
Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. reacted quickly following the game to winning without so many big players:
The Heat rookie, who scored 26 points on Monday night, stated, “Our game plan was to come together and win it for those guys who aren’t here with us right now.” I think my [coach and teammates] trusted me to make the right move every time.”
On Friday night, numerous Heat players got into an altercation after Zion Williamson was fouled by Kevin Love, causing Williamson to fall hard to the floor. At the center of it all were Naji Marshall and Jimmy Butler, with the Pelicans forward grabbing Butler’s neck, causing things to soon escalate.
Butler, Marshall, Alvarado, and Bryant were all ejected from Friday night’s game for their antics in the altercation. Butler and Jovic have now completed their one-game suspensions, and will be available Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Bryant is set to miss two more games for the Heat.
Of course, if Jaquez continues to play like he did on Monday night, the Heat might be fine despite being shorthanded.
