Miami Heat rookie Nikola Jovic on Wednesday registered his first double-double on assignment in the G League to lead the Sioux Falls Skyforce in an overtime loss to the South Bay Lakers.
Jovic produced a season-high 26 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in the 127-125 loss. He finished by shooting 7-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, in 42 minutes of work off the bench.
The contest was just the second for Jovic since missing two months with a lower back injury. He returned to play with the Skyforce on Monday, recording 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in a win over the Lakers.
Jovic is averaging 9.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and one block on 31% shooting from the field in eight games with Sioux Falls. He has scored in double figures three times and has hauled in 10 or more rebounds in four games.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra on Monday said the team would like to keep Jovic with the Skyforce to allow him the opportunity to log extended minutes. With six games left in the regular season, it is possible Jovic appears in each of those games.
After missing time with an injury, the Heat are hopeful that Jovic’s time in the G League can help him build some positive momentum heading into the offseason.
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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire