Jazz Stun Heat with Late Surge, 115-111
MIAMI – A late 3-pointer from Brice Sensabaugh lifted the Utah Jazz to a surprising 115-111 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night, , at Kaseya Center. The Jazz, who have struggled this season with a record of 17-37, managed to overcome a determined effort from the Heat, despite being without several key players.
Sensabaugh’s clutch shot came with just 47 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Jazz a lead they would not relinquish. Jaren Jackson Jr. Led Utah with 22 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 17, Kyle Filipowski added 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Ace Bailey also scored 16. Isaiah Collier’s jumper with 1:23 left brought the Jazz within one point, setting the stage for Sensabaugh’s game-winning shot.
The Heat, playing without Norman Powell (back tightness) and Pelle Larsson (right forearm strain), as well as the already sidelined Tyler Herro (ribs), fought hard to maintain their lead. Andrew Wiggins paced Miami with 26 points, and Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Kasparas Jakucionis added 20 points for the Heat, continuing a recent hot streak from beyond the arc.
Jakucionis, who scored 22 points in Washington the previous night while shooting 6-for-6 from three-point range, started the game against the Jazz 3-for-3 from deep, extending his streak to nine consecutive made three-pointers before finally missing his tenth attempt. His improved confidence in pulling up for shots, even with late contests, has been a key factor in his recent success.
Despite the Heat getting out to an early double-digit lead in the first quarter – a familiar pattern – they ultimately faltered, allowing the Jazz to regain control. Utah erased a 108-103 deficit with 3:32 left to play, demonstrating resilience despite their overall season struggles. The Jazz outscored the Heat in the paint 54-30, highlighting their dominance inside.
The game saw a curious coaching decision from Jazz coach Will Hardy, who sat both Markkanen and Jackson in the fourth period, despite their contributions earlier in the game. Jusuf Nurkic also remained on the bench for the final quarter, finishing with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
The Jazz finished the first half on a 14-2 run, capped off by a 3-pointer from Collier at the buzzer, giving them a 61-52 lead at halftime. The Heat had opportunities to tie or take the lead late in the game, but Wiggins missed a short jumper with 36 seconds remaining, and Jakucionis’ corner three-point attempt bounced off the rim with just 4 seconds left on the clock. Sensabaugh sealed the victory with two free throws in the final seconds.
The Jazz will next host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Heat will look to rebound from this disappointing loss in their next outing.
Despite being widely perceived as a team actively tanking, the Jazz proved they are capable of competing, even against playoff contenders. This victory marks only their fifth win in the last 23 games, but it serves as a reminder that they are not to be underestimated.
