A.J. Lawson made history on Monday night as he made his first-ever start in the NBA for the Miami Heat. The 21-year-old guard from South Carolina became the first player born in 2000 to start a game in the league, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
Lawson, who was selected by the Heat with the 55th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been turning heads with his impressive play during the preseason. His performance in training camp and exhibition games earned him a spot in the starting lineup for Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic.
In his debut as a starter, Lawson did not disappoint. He showcased his scoring ability, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 28 minutes of action.
What stood out most about Lawson’s performance was his confidence and poise on the court. Despite facing off against seasoned NBA veterans, he did not shy away from the moment and played with a level of maturity beyond his years.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Lawson’s performance after the game, highlighting his composure and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. “A.J. showed a lot of promise tonight,” Spoelstra said. “He played with a lot of confidence and made some big plays for us. I’m excited to see how he continues to develop throughout the season.”
Lawson’s historic debut is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in the NBA. With his combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ, he has all the tools to become a key contributor for the Heat moving forward.
As Lawson continues to grow and develop at the NBA level, fans can expect to see more standout performances from the young guard. His debut as a starter is just the first of many milestones to come in what is sure to be an exciting career in the league.
