Former Illini Kasparas Jakucionis drops career high in first NBA start

Kasparas Jakucionis cracked the Miami Heat starting lineup for the first time in his young NBA career. It’s been a long time coming for the former Illini as he struggled with different injuries ever since becoming the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Recently, Jakucionis was sent to the G-League as he recovered from his injuries, and he struggled with some off-shooting nights and turnovers. However, in just his third NBA game, Jakucionis was thrust into the starting lineup and had an extremely solid night.

Jakucionis ended the game with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists vs the Boston Celtics. He shot 5 of 8 from the three-point line and was the only Heat player with a positive +/- out of all players who played over 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the Miami Heat lost the game, but it was certainly a strong sign that their rookie is starting to find his rhythm.

Kasparas Jakucionis had the best game of his NBA career in a tough loss vs the Boston Celtics. Jakucionis started his first game in the NBA and had 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 made three’s.

Finally healthy, look for Jakucionis to have more of these performances. pic.twitter.com/tQVVxnOOVY

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) December 20, 2025

What’s next for Kasparas Jakucionis?

Kasparas Jakucionis played 36 minutes in this game. He looked far more comfortable and efficient than he has ever been since starting his NBA career. Since the Heat are battling some injuries to Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson, and Davion Mitchell, expect Jakucionis to get some extended run. They next suit up to play the New York Knicks on December 21st at Madison Square Garden. Both Jakucionis and fellow Illini Will Riley are starting to gain more minutes on their respective teams.

Though their Illini careers were just one year, all of Illini Nation is keeping a close eye on the performance of these two young stars.

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