MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 25: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket during the game on December 25, 2023 at Kaseya Center Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Excites NBA Fans as Heat Beat 76ers amid Embiid, Butler Injuries

Andrew PetersDec 25, 2023

The Christmas Day matchup between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers wasn't star-studded with Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid both out, but fans still got a great show.

Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. continued to prove himself as a sleeper pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The UCLA product showed up in the absence of Butler, putting up 31 points and 10 rebounds. Jaquez's big night led the Heat to an ever-important Christmas Day win over the 76ers, 119-113.

After Jaquez's career high, fans had plenty to talk about on social media.

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The Heat seemingly have an emerging star in Jaquez, and he proved that he can step up in big moments on Monday. He's averaging 13.1 points per game, and his performance on Monday could inch him closer to joining the Rookie of the Year conversation.

Now, Miami is looking to keep Jaquez's momentum rolling into 2024.