"The core starters in Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic played just a combined 22.5 minutes. However, the Heat bench still had an opportunity to win this game. New first-round draft pick Kasparas Jakucionis made his debut off the bench and looked impactful, finishing with 8 points and 10 assists. His playmaking potential was on full display, and even showed glimpses of providing strong point of attack defense. He was active."
"Ware dominated the stat sheet, leading Miami's bench unit with a monster 29 points and 12 rebounds double-double against Wembanyama. He shot an efficient 12 of 19 from the field (63%) and knocked down three shots from deep- along with adding one block and one steal. Coach Erik Spoelstra has made it clear that he's looking for an impact that goes deeper than just the numbers from Ware. In that regard, the talented 7-foot was also an encouraging +10 in his minutes on the floor."
The Miami Heat remain winless in the preseason after hosting Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Core starters Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic played a combined 22.5 minutes, leaving the bench to carry the game. Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis debuted with 8 points and 10 assists, showing playmaking and point-of-attack defense. Jaime Jaquez Jr. excelled in a second-unit role and produced an early poster dunk over Wembanyama. Norman Powell scored 18 points, while Adebayo, Wiggins and Jovic struggled offensively. Kel'el Ware led the bench with 29 points, 12 rebounds, efficient shooting and a +10 impact. Coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized impact beyond statistics, and exhibition play allowed lineup experimentation and an encouraging first 10-deep.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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