MIAMI — Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered a memorable Christmas performance, scoring 31 points and securing his first double-double in a 119-113 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Jaquez’s excitement about playing on Christmas was evident in his outstanding play.
Bam Adebayo supported Jaquez’s efforts with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made history, improving to a perfect 9-0 record on Christmas Day, the best record for head coaches in NBA history on the holiday.
The 76ers were without Joel Embiid due to an ankle sprain. Tobias Harris led Philadelphia with 27 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25. Mo Bamba and De’Anthony Melton contributed with 18 and 15 points, respectively, while Tyrese Maxey struggled, shooting 4 for 20 from the floor.
Tyler Herro added 22 points for the Heat, Duncan Robinson contributed 16, and Kyle Lowry had 12, marking his first Christmas win. Jaquez also pulled down 10 rebounds, helping Miami dominate the boards with a 56-36 advantage.
The Heat overcame several absences, including Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, and Haywood Highsmith. They also lost Caleb Martin in the first half to an ankle sprain.
The game was tied at 86 after three quarters, despite a rollercoaster of leads. Philadelphia began strongly, but Miami responded with a 21-1 run in the first half, helped by Philadelphia’s 14 consecutive missed shots. The 76ers then managed to erase a 21-point deficit in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Jaquez and Adebayo each scored 10 points to secure the win for Miami. Jaquez’s performance placed him among a select group of rookies who have scored significantly in their first Christmas games, joining the ranks of Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy, LeBron James, Bill Cartwright, Patrick Ewing, and Oscar Robertson.
76ers coach Nick Nurse praised Jaquez’s performance, acknowledging his crucial role in the Heat’s victory.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will face Orlando on Wednesday, while the Heat will travel to play Golden State on Thursday.
