Andrew Wiggins delivered one of the most efficient games of his career Saturday night, scoring 28 points on 9-of-10 shooting to lead the Miami Heat to a 136-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Kaseya Center.
Wiggins reached 15,000 career points on a layup early in the third quarter, a milestone that came during Miami’s decisive push.
Norman Powell added 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. He struggled at the line, going 2-of-7, but compensated with aggressive downhill drives and timely perimeter shot-making.
Miami led by five at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Heat outscored Memphis 39-26 in the period, stretching the margin to 109-89 after Jaime Jaquez Jr. banked in a shot with 1:19 left in the quarter.
Powell and Kasparas Jakucionis each scored nine points in the third, helping the home team create separation through pace and ball movement.
The Heat shot 52% from the field and assisted on 36 of their 49 made baskets. Despite committing 18 turnovers, Miami controlled the glass 57-35 and generated second-chance opportunities with 17 offensive rebounds.
Tyler Herro finished with 14 points and six assists, while Bam Adebayo contributed 13 points and five assists. Jakucionis and Jaquez each scored 12, and Kel’el Ware posted 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Memphis stayed close in the first half by knocking down nine 3-pointers. The Grizzlies finished 15-of-44 from deep and shot 47% overall.
GG Jackson scored a season-high 28 points off the bench on 11-of-17 shooting. Jaylen Wells added 25 points on 10-of-13 from the floor, while Scotty Pippen Jr. had 18 points and six assists. Ty Jerome chipped in 17 points.
The Grizzlies were again without Ja Morant, who missed his 13th consecutive game with a left elbow sprain. Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward and Kyle Anderson also remained sidelined with knee issues.
Late in the fourth quarter, with 1:19 remaining and the outcome decided, Pippen and Miami’s Myron Gardner were involved in an altercation near the first row. Both players were separated and ejected.
The loss marked Memphis’ 11th defeat in its last 14 games, dropping the team to 21-34 and 11th in the Western Conference standings.
Miami improved to 31-27 and remained seventh in the Eastern Conference race, strengthening its position in the play-in picture.
The Grizzlies return home to host Sacramento on Monday, while the Heat travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday.
