Mexico City. Jaime Jáquez made history by becoming the first Mexican to achieve a victory with an NBA team during his visit to this country after the Miami Heat won 118-98 against the Washington Wizards.
Jáquez’s name has become a magnet to attract tricolor fans to the NBA. The Miami player’s jersey was one of the ones that fans wore the most yesterday to enter the Mexico City Arena.
“Jáquez is very good, we follow his games as much as possible. He is the best tricolor we have ever had. Even though it is said that he is not Mexican because he was born in California, they put up with it because for us he is Mexican,” said Michelle, a fan who boasted proudly the Miami jersey.
Going out on the court and receiving the support of thousands of fans impressed Jáquez for a moment, who nervously tried to thank the fans for attending the match. “I’m happy,” he barely managed to say.
Although Jáquez was not a starter, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra allowed the Mexican to shine on the court and please the fans who clamored to see him play even ahead of stars like Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, a double Olympic medalist after winning in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
“Come on, Jáquez!”, “Come on, Jáquez. Shoot a triple!” they shouted from the stands as soon as the Mexican entered the court with six minutes left in the first episode.
The Miami player knew how to respond to that demand by scoring six points in his first minutes. With two shots with a twist under the basket, Jáquez unleashed the applause of a public that was now healing from more than a decade of waiting to see an NBA tricolor play in the country.
Jáquez was the idol at that time for the fans, although on the court, Bam Adebayo was the most outstanding player. It was easy for the double Olympic medalist to lead the Heat to a victory against the Wizards.
Just at the end of the second half, Adebayo had already scored 20 points, while Tyler Herro was the other player who also boosted the Heat against the Wizards who offered little in attack.
Jáquez was the idol at that time for the fans, although on the court, Bam Adebayo was the most outstanding player. It was easy for the double Olympic medalist to lead the Heat to a victory against the Wizards.
Just at the end of the second half, Adebayo had already scored 20 points, while Tyler Herro was the other player who also boosted the Heat against the Wizards who offered little in attack.
Jimmy Butler also demonstrated his character as a leader after the third inning to finish with 18 points, while Adebayo scored 32 points with eleven rebounds.
Jáquez’s statistics seem more discreet with eight points and 10 rebounds. However, the strength he showed on the court demonstrated the tricolor essence that he cannot get rid of by much.
For the Wizards, Jordan Poole was the best player although he could only score 21 points.
“It’s fabulous to have made history,” celebrates Jáquez
After making history as the first tricolor NBA player to win a victory when visiting Mexico with the Heat’s 118-98 victory over the Wizards, Jaime Jáquez was satisfied with this achievement but knows that he still has to transcend with his team.
“It is fabulous to be here, to know that I am in the history books, it is a victory for the team and we must continue in this process,” said Jáquez, who was grateful for the support of the fans.
“It was incredible to see the love of the fans for both me and my family, it is something I reciprocate,” he added.
Jáquez also considered that this visit to Mexican territory could be important to inspire other generations and in the future be able to increase the tricolor quota in the NBA.
“I hope I can inspire many children to achieve their passion and dreams in this sport. And above all, that there are more Mexicans in the NBA, maybe one day they will be like me.”
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