Mon Apr 21 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Heat’s Jaquez Jr. Benched in Play-In Win, Sparks Fan Confusion
**MIAMI, FL –** Miami Heat guard and former UCLA Bruin Jaime Jaquez Jr. saw a shockingly limited role in the Heat’s 109-90 Play-In Tournament victory over the Chicago Bulls, playing only one minute – his lowest single-game total of the season. The minimal playing time comes just days after Jaquez posted a career-high 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the regular season finale.
The decision by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra to insert Jaquez only in the final minute of a game already well in hand has left fans baffled. Social media erupted with questions about the seemingly inexplicable benching of a player who had just demonstrated exceptional performance.
Jaquez, who averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season, holds a plus/minus rating of 2.3. While some speculate unfavorable defensive matchups may have contributed, the lack of playing time in a crucial win-or-go-home game is striking, especially considering his previous playoff experience. Last year, as a rookie, Jaquez averaged 30.1 minutes over four playoff games.
The limited playing time wasn’t isolated to Jaquez. Fellow former Bruins Kyle Anderson (23 minutes, 0 points) and Kevin Love (DNP) also failed to score.
The Heat now face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday in a decisive Play-In game. Jaquez’s role in that crucial matchup remains to be seen, but his recent benching has certainly raised eyebrows and fueled significant fan discussion.
First Piper 