In a remarkable display of resilience, the undermanned Miami Heat triumphed over the Sacramento Kings with a final score of 121-110 on Monday night. Despite missing key players, including star Jimmy Butler, the Heat extended their winning streak to four consecutive games.
Bam Adebayo played a pivotal role in the Heat’s victory, winning a head-to-head duel with Domantas Sabonis. Adebayo recorded an impressive stat line with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. The absence of Butler and Nikola Jovic, serving a one-game suspension, and Thomas Bryant, beginning a three-game suspension, did not deter the Heat from delivering a strong performance.
Additional setbacks included the injuries of Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, both sidelined with knee injuries. Despite these challenges, Miami’s bench outperformed the Kings, with Kevin Love contributing 19 points and Haywood Highsmith adding 15, both shooting 6-for-9. In contrast, no Kings backup scored more than eight points on the second night of a back-to-back.
The first half saw the Heat trailing by as many as 10 points, but they finished the second quarter on a 20-7 run to take a three-point lead. Miami extended its advantage in the second half, leading by as many as 20 points.
While the Kings made a late push with a 22-5 run, closing within two points at 110-108, Jaime Jaquez Jr. made consecutive baskets to thwart the comeback. The Kings were unable to get closer than four points for the remainder of the game.
Jaquez finished with 26 points for Miami, complemented by contributions from Caleb Martin with 16 points and Delon Wright with 13. Duncan Robinson facilitated the offense with a game-high 11 assists.
Sabonis recorded his third consecutive triple-double, finishing with 14 rebounds and 10 assists, although he scored only 14 points. Keegan Murray led the Kings with a game-high-tying 28 points, supported by Kevin Huerter’s 14 points and Harrison Barnes’ 10.
The victory marked a sweep for the Heat in the two-game season series against the Kings, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and maintain a winning momentum.
