While Jimmy Butler was out with an ιnjury, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. enjoyed a memorable Christmas and was Miami’s shining star.

The Heat defeated the 76ers 119-113 on Christmas Day, thanks in large part to Jaquez’s 31 points, 10 boards, 2 steals, and 1 assist.

Because Jaquez can generate plays without controlling the ball or being given precise instructions, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra drew a similarity to Jimmy Butler.

Speaking about Jimmy, “It’s very similar,” Spoelstra remarked. “You wouldn’t dare do this to Jimmy, but if you challenged him, he could play the whole game without the ball and still manage to score 20 points without needing play calls.”

The rookie point guard may only have played in 30 NBA games, but he gives the impression of having played for much longer.

“Tonight, I didn’t select a single play on his behalf. Actually, Spoelstra acknowledged as much. Even though they played a lot of zone defense in the second half, I never once gave him the ball to run the play. He accomplished it through transition, cuts, оffensive rebounding, and timely 3-pointers. A plethora of intermission plays. Therefore, you do not consider it a 30-point contest.

Just five rookies in NBA history—Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Patrick Ewing, and the 18th overall pick—have ever recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds on Christmas.

“He kind of makes me think of Jimmy,” 76ers center Mo Bamba said. His post-up attempts, layups at the rim, and pivoting are all impressive. Over the past two or three years, I’ve enjoyed watching him play at UCLA. I can’t wait to see him grow and change.

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With big me𝚗 like Dereck Lively II, Victor Wembanyama, and Chet Holmgren in his draft class, Jaquez is definitely a nаme to keep an eye on.