Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines in Debut but Timberwolves Outlast Heat
Ball scored 21 points and Edwards added 45 as Minnesota beat Miami 131-106 in the teams’ first game after a four-team trade.
- On Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat 131-106 in their season opener, led by All-Star guard Anthony Edwards' 45-point outburst and new guard LaMelo Ball's 21-point debut.
- Minnesota dominated from beyond the arc, draining 21-of-50 three-pointers while Miami shot just 24% on 33 attempts, creating a 39-point differential that proved insurmountable.
- Edwards finished with 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting and nine three-pointers—one more than the entire Heat roster made from deep—while Ball added 21 points, six assists, and two blocks.
- Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's 35-point Heat debut, Miami's supporting cast struggled; teammates combined to go 3-of-20 on catch-and-shoot looks, limiting the superstar's impact.
- Antetokounmpo told reporters "I feel good when the team plays good," emphasizing the loss is "merely one of 82," while Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the team must improve offensive execution.
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Twice MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's debut in a Miami Heat jersey ended in a crushing defeat, as the Minnesota Timberwolves were defeated 131-106 (34-32, 35-27, 30-22, 32-25) at home in the first game of the NBA season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his debut for the Miami Heat. But it was a big loss, 106–131, against the Minnesota Timberwolves – and Pelle Larsson still doesn't know what it feels like to win an NBA premiere.
Giannis Antetokounmpo impressed in his debut with the Miami Heat, but his team was defeated 131-106 by Minnesota, with Anthony Edwards standing out with 42 points and 10 rebounds. The post Miami Heat – Minnesota Timberwolves 106-131: Debut with defeat for Antetokounmpo (vid) appeared first on in.gr.
Giannis Antetokounmpo shines in debut but Timberwolves outlast Heat
Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) looks for an opening past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Miami.
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