The Miami Heat dropped a hard-fought double-overtime game to the Sacramento Kings, losing 123-118 on Monday night. Despite strong efforts from Tyler Herro and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami’s inability to execute in clutch moments highlighted how much they miss the late-game presence of Jimmy Butler. The loss leaves the Heat winless in overtime road games this season and struggling to find consistency without their star forward.
Tyler Herro led Miami with 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, shooting 44% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. While Herro shined during regulation, he failed to score in both overtime periods when the Heat needed a closer. To make matters worse, he was called for a crucial 8-second violation late in the fourth quarter, stalling Miami’s momentum.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. earned the starting nod and delivered a stellar performance, recording a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. The rookie also tied his career high with five steals, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. However, Jaquez missed two critical free throws at the end of the first overtime, allowing the Kings to stay alive.
Bam Adebayo, who has been in a slump to start 2025, contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds but struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 31.6% from the field and 20% from three-point range. Adebayo’s offensive woes have been a significant factor in Miami’s recent struggles, with the team relying heavily on Herro to carry the scoring load.
The Kings were led by DeMar DeRozan, who took over in the second overtime, scoring nine of Sacramento’s 11 points to secure the victory. DeRozan finished with 30 points on 12-of-26 shooting, hitting clutch shots that stunned the Heat. Domantas Sabonis added a triple-double of his own with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Malik Monk chipped in 23 points off the bench.
Sacramento, playing without injured star De’Aaron Fox, extended their winning streak to five games under interim coach Doug Christie, showcasing their depth and resilience.
The Heat had their chances to win. Regulation ended with the score tied at 102, and Miami clung to a one-point lead late in the first overtime before Jaquez’s missed free throws allowed the Kings to tie the game at 112. In the second overtime, Miami’s offense sputtered as DeRozan and the Kings pulled away.
The Heat’s inability to close out tight games continues to be a concern. They are now 4-7 without Jimmy Butler this season, and his absence in high-pressure moments has been glaring. While Herro has stepped up as a primary scorer, he lacks the experience and composure Butler brings to finish games.
Despite the loss, Jaquez’s performance was a highlight for Miami. The rookie continues to grow into his role, showing poise as a starter and making impactful plays on both ends of the court. His energy and defensive intensity have been a bright spot during Butler’s absence, and he will have another opportunity to shine against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
The Heat’s road trip continues as they face the Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back. Miami will need a bounce-back performance from Adebayo and additional support for Herro to contend with Golden State’s high-powered offense.
As the Heat search for consistency and a reliable closer, the team will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the competitive Eastern Conference standings. With Butler’s return date still uncertain, the Heat must find ways to execute in crunch time if they hope to turn their season around.
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