The Miami Heat’s win over the Toronto Raptors wasn’t the most exciting, but there were still some fun plays.
Junior forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is used to putting on a show on offense, and he did it again on Wednesday night.
Jaquez led a fastbreak near the end of the first quarter. Before Duncan Robinson’s quick pass and pass-back at the three-point line, he sped things up. The former UCLA Bruins player sped past Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and threw down a slam dunk with power.
Near the end of the first quarter, this play gave Miami a six-point lead.
Jaquez was just named the rookie of the month in the Eastern Conference. After getting the award, he scored 15 points in 32 minutes while hitting 46.2%. He also played the whole fourth quarter, which shows that coach Erik Spoelstra is even more sure of the 22-year-old.
He was good, but not the most important part of Miami’s win.
Forward Caleb Martin was picked to start instead of Haywood Highsmith, who was hurt. Martin really shined during this chance. He ended the game with 24 points, 12 boards, and a block, shooting 9 of 16 from the field.
Although Jaquez played very well in his first year, it’s clear that Martin is still the starter.
Anthony Pasciolla writes for Inside the Heat as a contributor.