Jazz Fight Past Heat Despite Benching Three Starters

Reserve Brice Sensabaugh hits go-ahead 3-pointer in final minute to lift Utah over Miami.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Utah Jazz shocked the Miami Heat 115-111 on Monday night, despite benching three of their starters - Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Jusuf Nurkic - for the entire fourth quarter in an apparent effort to tank and keep their first-round draft pick. Reserve Brice Sensabaugh hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.8 seconds left to lift the Jazz to victory. Miami was led by Andrew Wiggins' 26 points, while rookie Kasparas Jakucionis scored 20 for the Heat.

Why it matters

The Jazz's decision to bench multiple starters in an apparent tanking effort has raised questions about the team's strategy and commitment to winning, especially with a first-round draft pick on the line. This game highlights the ongoing debate around tanking in professional sports and the impact it can have on the integrity of the game.

The details

The Jazz, who had lost 18 of their previous 22 games, led 85-82 after three quarters. However, they benched Jackson (22 points), Markkanen (17 points), and Nurkic (10 points, 16 rebounds) for the entire fourth quarter. Despite this, the Jazz were able to rally late, with Sensabaugh hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer. Miami was led by Wiggins' 26 points, while Jakucionis, the Heat's first-round pick, scored 20 points.

  • The Jazz benched multiple starters for the entire fourth quarter in an apparent effort to tank.
  • With 4:30 left in the fourth quarter, Miami took a 104-101 lead on a 3-pointer by Wiggins.
  • Sensabaugh hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter to lift the Jazz to victory.

The players

Brice Sensabaugh

A reserve player for the Utah Jazz who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute to lift his team to victory.

Andrew Wiggins

A player for the Miami Heat who scored 26 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter.

Kasparas Jakucionis

A rookie for the Miami Heat who scored 20 points, including a missed 3-pointer in the final seconds that could have given the Heat the lead.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A starter for the Utah Jazz who was benched for the entire fourth quarter, despite scoring a team-high 22 points.

Lauri Markkanen

A starter for the Utah Jazz who was benched for the entire fourth quarter, despite scoring 17 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.