Jay Huff’s Breakout Night Signals a Turning Point for the Pacers’ Big Man
For Jay Huff, it wasn’t just a good night-it was a statement. The Pacers center exploded for a career-high 29 points on an ultra-efficient 13-of-17 shooting in Friday’s win over the Pelicans, adding nine boards, two steals, and a pair of blocks in just 29 minutes of action. It was the kind of performance that turns heads-and maybe even shifts roles.
But if you ask his teammates, this didn’t come out of nowhere.
“He’s getting better just at understanding where he needs to be,” said Pascal Siakam. “He’s a shooter, so sometimes I think he forgets that he’s seven feet. Get down there, get some of those dunks.”
That blend of shooting touch and size has always made Huff intriguing, but consistency was the missing ingredient. Early in the season, the numbers told the story: 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game through December, with a three-point percentage south of 30%. The tools were there, but the rhythm wasn’t.
Now? Different story.
Since January began, Huff has looked like a different player-averaging 13.4 points on better than 66% shooting over the past eight games. The efficiency has jumped, and so has the confidence.
“There’s growth with his connection with his teammates,” said head coach Rick Carlisle. “He’s feeling the game better and better.”
And that’s key. Huff has always had the defensive chops-he was a G League Defensive Player of the Year, after all-and he currently ranks second in the NBA in blocks per game among qualified players.
The question was whether his offensive game could catch up. If Friday night is any indication, it just might be.
Sabonis Returns, Brings Stability to Kings’ Frontcourt
Meanwhile, over in Sacramento, the Kings got a major boost with the return of Domantas Sabonis. After missing 27 games with a partially torn meniscus, the All-Star big man came off the bench and delivered a well-rounded performance: 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a win over Washington.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what the Kings needed-a steadying presence and a reminder of what Sabonis brings to the table.
“His energy was good,” said interim head coach Doug Christie. “He ran the floor well. He looked really good.”
Sabonis kept it short and sweet: “You really miss it when you’re gone for so long.”
And it showed. He looked fresh, engaged, and ready to pick up where he left off. For a Kings team that’s been trying to find its footing without him, his return could be a turning point.
Heat’s Kel’el Ware Facing a Tough Coaching Challenge
In Miami, it’s a different story for young big man Kel’el Ware. After being benched in the second half of Thursday’s loss to Boston, the message from head coach Erik Spoelstra was clear: the standard has slipped.
“He was stacking good days,” Spoelstra said. “Now he’s stacking days in the wrong direction.”
That’s not the kind of trend any player wants, especially not a young talent trying to carve out a consistent role on a veteran-laden team like the Heat.
Former team captain Udonis Haslem, never one to mince words, echoed the sentiment during a Prime Video broadcast.
“Every time you step on the court, make your minutes impactful,” Haslem said. “Make the coaches want to play you more.”
It’s a critical moment for Ware. The potential is there-length, athleticism, shot-blocking-but the Heat demand more than flashes.
They want consistency, effort, and execution every time out. Ware’s challenge now is to respond.
Bottom Line
For Huff, Sabonis, and Ware, this week told three very different stories of big men at different points in their development. Huff is turning a corner, Sabonis is getting back to business, and Ware is facing the kind of adversity that can either stunt growth or spark it.
It’s a reminder that in the NBA, progress isn’t always linear-but it’s always visible if you’re watching closely.