Giannis Antetokounmpo made his Miami debut on Wednesday night, and Anthony Edwards made sure it was not his night. Minnesota beat Miami 131-106 behind 45 points from Edwards, who set a franchise record for an opener.
Edwards scored 45 on 16 of 29 shooting and 9 of 17 from three, with 10 rebounds. He is the third player ever with multiple 40 point openers, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. LaMelo Ball added 21 points and 6 assists in his Timberwolves debut.
Giannis delivered in his first game for Miami. He scored 35 on 13 of 19 shooting with 6 rebounds before he fouled out. Bam Adebayo added 15 and Klay Thompson scored 10 in his Heat debut.
The gap was the arc and the glass. Minnesota hit 21 threes to Miami's 8 and won the rebounds 52-34. A home debut can carry a building for a quarter. It cannot carry it for four against shooting and size like that.
Key Facts
- Final: Timberwolves 131, Heat 106 in Miami
- Star: Anthony Edwards 45 points on 16 of 29 and 9 of 17 from three, with 10 rebounds
- Debut: Giannis Antetokounmpo 35 points on 13 of 19 with 6 rebounds in his Heat debut, fouled out
- Support: LaMelo Ball 21 points and 6 assists in his Timberwolves debut; Bam Adebayo 15; Klay Thompson 10 in his Heat debut
- Gap: Minnesota 21 threes to Miami 8, rebounds 52-34
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