In leading the Miami Heat rout of Milwaukee Bucks, 20-year-old Nikola Jovic’s work ethic earns respect from Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra
Miami Heat second-year forward Nikola Jović playing the best game of his career on Wednesday night couldn’t have come at a better time.
With Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson out, Jović had 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a 123-97 road win against the Milwaukee Bucks. His career-high in points is the highlight, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised every aspect of the 20-year-old’s performance.
“Niko was very good tonight,” Spoelstra said. “Obviously the points, that’ll make everybody notice, but he generates more inertia for our team in transition, for sure. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that.”
Jović was one of three Heat players to hit at least five three-pointers, along with Tyler Herro and Kevin Love.
“Niko knocked down some open shots when Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was coming to help, which he [Antetokounmpo] does as well as anybody in this league,” Spoelstra said. You have to keep him honest, and Niko was able to do that.”
The 6-foot-10 forward’s role has been sporadic this season. Jović started 10 consecutive games in January while the Heat dealt with injuries, but then played just 10 minutes in Miami’s next 10 games combined.
Spoelstra lauded Jović’s perseverance and work ethic.
“He continued to work, including after the Boston game, he went into the gym after the game and got more work in with the coaches,” Spoelstra said. “When guys start to do that, you start to see things change. In his stint as a starter three weeks ago, those were really important games for us, where he played well and helped the unit function at a high level. He handled it well when everybody got back healthy, and had to wait for his opportunity again. But he stayed ready and he really produced and helped out tonight.”
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