The Miami Heat have capitalized on a few massive performances from their stars to begin the 2025-26 season with a 3-2 record through their first five games.
Along with Miami's most consistent options such as Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell, the team has been the beneficiary of a resurgent season from third-year forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.
In fact, the 6-foot-6 wing's fantastic beginning to the new season has warranted praise from fans and NBA writers alike, including SBNation's Ricky O'Donnell.
"Miami reworked its offense over the summer to push the pace and abandon the pick-and-roll, and now Jaquez is thriving as a downhill scorer who suddenly looks a bit more comfortable finding open teammates as a passer," O'Donnell wrote Thursday morning.
"The 24-year-old is averaging nearly 19 points per game on 71 percent shooting from the floor (!) By striking fear into defenders every time he attacks the basket."
"Jacquez has a nice blend of power and athleticism that makes him a load to handle as a downhill driver, and the Heat's new offense has given him more chances to attack early in the shot clock."
The Heat made the conscious decision to eliminate the pick-and-roll from their offensive identity, and it has partially led to the breakout of Jaquez Jr.
Now that he's received more opportunities to either create for himself in one-on-one matchups or create open looks for his teammates by driving hard to the rim, Jaquez Jr.'s ability to leverage his strength and agility has provided his team with a massive push on offense.
Through his first five appearances of the 2025-26 season, the 24-year-old wing has averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals paired with a ridiculous 62.3% field goal percentage.
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