Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 32 points before departing to watch his sister play in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game, leading the Miami Heat to a dominant 152-136 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Kel’el Ware contributed 24 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks in the commanding performance at Miami’s home arena. The Heat led by as many as 35 points during the contest, marking another impressive offensive display for the franchise.
“That’s the beauty of their family relationship. They really support each other,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ve gotten to know his sister from all the times that she has visited. And it’s awesome to see.” Jaquez was heading to Phoenix for the women’s final, where his sister Gabriela plays for UCLA against South Carolina. The UCLA graduate helped his college team reach the Final Four in 2021 before losing to Gonzaga in overtime in the semifinal.
Bam Adebayo, who scored 83 points in Miami’s last game against Washington on March 10, faced a triple-team on his first possession and finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Andrew Wiggins contributed 21 points while Pelle Larsson added 16 points for Miami. The Heat’s balanced scoring attack overwhelmed Washington throughout the contest, with Miami shooting efficiently from the field.
Miami reached 150 points for the third time in franchise history with Saturday’s performance. The Heat previously scored 153 against New Orleans on April 11 last season and finished with 150 against the Wizards during Adebayo’s historic 83-point night on March 10. The franchise record of 153 points was established last season, making Saturday’s total the second-highest in team history.
Will Riley led Washington with 31 points on efficient shooting, while Sharife Cooper scored 20 points for the Wizards. The loss marked Washington’s 60th defeat of the season, reaching that mark for the third straight season. The Wizards have lost 21 of their past 22 games and hold the NBA’s worst record at 17-60.
The Heat paid tribute to retiring public address announcer Michael Baiamonte, who is completing his 35th and final season with the organization. Baiamonte received a standing ovation from fans after the first quarter in recognition of his decades of service. “I’ve enjoyed the greatest seat to some of the greatest basketball in the world,” Baiamonte said.
Miami dominated the second quarter, shooting 68.2 percent to take a 77-57 lead into halftime while Washington managed just 31.0 percent shooting. The Heat went over the century mark with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter on a 3-pointer, extending their lead to 102-76. By the end of the third quarter, Miami had built a commanding 122-91 advantage.
The Wizards will visit Brooklyn on Sunday for their next contest, while the Heat travel to Toronto on Tuesday. Miami’s victory improved their record to 41-37 as they continue their push toward the playoffs. The Heat have gone 4-8 since Adebayo’s 83-point performance against Washington, but Saturday’s offensive explosion demonstrated their potential when multiple players contribute significantly.