Edwards erupts for 45 as Timberwolves rout Heat
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Minnesota’s rebuilt backcourt made an immediate impact as LaMelo Ball’s debut helped unlock Anthony Edwards in a 131-106 road win over the Miami Heat. Edwards poured in 45 points, including nine 3-pointers, while Ball added 21 points and six assists in a composed first outing for his new team. Miami still got a huge individual performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 35 points in his Heat debut and set the franchise record for points in a first appearance, but the home side could not match Minnesota’s firepower. After the game, Edwards joked that Ball would become his “best friend”, underlining the early chemistry between the Timberwolves’ new guard pairing
Key Points
- Ball started and played 28 minutes, finishing with 21 points, six assists and two steals as Minnesota’s offense ran smoothly from the outset
- Edwards scored 45 points in 33 minutes, shooting 16-for-29 overall and 9-for-17 from 3-point range, with 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
- Antetokounmpo went 13-for-19 and posted 35 points with six rebounds in 30 minutes, surpassing LeBron James’ 31-point Heat debut mark from 2010.
- Minnesota’s perimeter shooting proved decisive, with Edwards alone making more 3-pointers than Miami, whose team total was 8-for-33 from deep
- Edwards said trash talk from a Heat bench player fueled his performance, while Antetokounmpo said Miami failed to trust one another when the game turned difficult.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong NBA fans following a star-heavy opening week, this game offered an early look at how major offseason moves may reshape the title race. Minnesota’s instant backcourt chemistry and Miami’s defensive issues will both draw close attention as the season’s first narratives begin to form.