Jaime Jaquez Jr. Ignites the Heat with Confidence and Fire
Jaime Jaquez Jr. seems to have found his rhythm again — and the Miami Heat are feeling the energy. After what some might call an up-and-down second season, the 23-year-old forward has reignited his spark, stepping up with confidence and consistency early in the 2025–26 NBA campaign. His recent performances have not only turned heads but have also fueled a sense of momentum within Miami’s second unit.
In Sunday’s home opener against the New York Knicks, Jaquez put up a solid 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists, helping the Heat secure a 115–107 win. Then, on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets, he went off again — dropping 28 points on an impressive 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Even more impressive, he led the team in scoring — all while coming off the bench.
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For Jaquez, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about bringing intensity and leadership to a group that’s finding its voice. “This is my third year,” he explained. “I just try to lead the guys in the second unit and bring it every time. We either need to be the spark or the gas on the fire — that’s how I look at it.”
That mindset fits perfectly with coach Erik Spoelstra’s philosophy. The Heat have simplified their offense this season — fewer play calls, more motion, and a focus on pure energy. Spoelstra didn’t specifically design the system around Jaquez, but the new approach seems tailor-made for his game. “Anything that gets him downhill and aggressive fits him,” Spoelstra said. “He’s playing great basketball, super confident. We just had to simplify things and let him loose.”
After sometimes being stuck as a spot-up shooter last year, Jaquez now has the ball in his hands more often — attacking, creating, and playing with freedom. The difference shows. He’s averaging nearly 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists through the first few games, showing the kind of all-around impact that made him a first-round pick out of UCLA.
Teammates like Norman Powell have noticed his growth, praising his poise and smart decision-making. “He’s being steady, taking his time, and making the right reads,” Powell said. “That’s big-time for us.”
For Jaquez, though, it’s simple — he just wants to help the team win. “Whether it’s scoring, passing, or defending, whatever it takes, I’m all in,” he said. And right now, that fire he talks about? It’s spreading — and the Miami Heat are burning bright because of it.
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