Anthony Edwards joins Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain in rare club with dominant opener originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the big draw of Wednesday's season opener between the Heat and Timberwolves, but Anthony Edwards stole the show.
The Minnesota star scorched Miami to the tune of 45 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes, shooting better than 55 percent from the floor and leading the Wolves to a resounding 131-106 road win.
This wasn't Edwards' first electrifying performance on opening night. By going off again in the season opener, the 25-year-old joined two NBA legends in an exclusive club.
Here's a look at how Edwards stands next to Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain after Wednesday's display.
Anthony Edwards joins Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain in rare club
Wednesday's 45-point explosion was the second 40-point performance in a season opener in Edwards' career, as he scored 41 points in the Timberwolves' opener last season.
As it turns out, that isn't ordinary. Jordan and Chamberlain are the only other players in NBA history with multiple 40-point openers,
Not bad company for Ant 😮💨 https://t.co/6VSdJFME2F
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2026
Meanwhile, Edwards became the fifth player in NBA history with at least 45 points and 10 rebounds in an opener, joining Anthony Davis as the only other active player.
Edwards shot 16-of-29 from the field, including 9-of-17 from 3-point range, in a blazing performance against the new-look Heat. While Antetokounmpo led Miami with 35 points, no one else came close to matching his offensive performance, let alone Edwards' performance.