SALT LAKE CITY — Tyler Herro contributed 23 points, while Jaime Jaquez added 20, including five crucial points in the last minute of the game, leading the Miami Heat to a 97-92 triumph over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
In a match marked by 31 total turnovers and both teams struggling with shooting percentages below 40%, the Heat capitalized on transition opportunities, outscoring the Jazz 17-7 in fast-break points and executing key hustle plays when it counted.
For the Jazz, Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen each scored 23 points, but the team continued to struggle, suffering their ninth consecutive loss at home. Missing six players due to injuries—including Jordan Clarkson (foot), John Collins (hip), Keyonte George (heel), and Brice Sensabaugh, who had previously excelled against Miami and Orlando with a total of 61 points—Utah faced an uphill battle.
The Heat were also without Kevin Love, who missed the game for personal reasons. Love had recently led a motivating team meeting after Jimmy Butler’s suspension for seven games, according to his teammate Nikola Jovic.
Key highlights from the game included Miami’s recent turnaround; following a staggering 136-100 defeat to the Jazz during Butler’s suspension, they slowly improved their performance. In the interim, they faced tougher competition, including a double-overtime loss to Sacramento and a win against Golden State before this victory.
Despite already holding the title for the worst team in the league in terms of ball security, the Jazz kept impressing with 17 turnovers, many of which were unforced. However, the team displayed a newfound aggressiveness in the closing moments, allowing them a chance to take control.
A crucial moment in the game was when the Jazz narrowed the Heat’s lead to 90-88. After winning a coach’s challenge concerning a foul on Walker Kessler, the Heat successfully captured the subsequent jump ball. This led to Jaquez sinking a pivotal 3-pointer with only 1:03 left on the clock, providing Miami with a much-needed cushion as they closed out the game.
Additionally, Herro made history by setting a franchise record for consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer, achieving this milestone in 70 games and surpassing the previous record of 69 held by teammate Duncan Robinson in 2021.
Looking ahead, the Heat will travel to Portland for their next game on Saturday, while the Jazz are set to face the Phoenix Suns later that afternoon.
