All eyes were on this summer’s star signing, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as Miami kicked off the NBA season at home at the Kaseya Center.
As expected, most of Miami’s offense revolved around the Greek giant, who scored 21 points before halftime, setting a club record for a Miami debutant.
Overall, however, Miami’s new lineup didn’t work out well at all. Pelle Larsson began his third NBA season on the bench and entered the game for the first time late in the first quarter. By then, the visitors had taken an eight-point lead.
Made nine three-pointers
With Larsson on the court, Miami quickly caught up, but the momentum soon faded. Minnesota hurt Miami with excellent long-range shooting, and its 69–59 halftime lead grew further right after the break, when Anthony Edwards in particular was on fire from beyond the arc.
The American star outshone Antetokounmpo and finished the game with 45 points, including nine three-pointers.
Two points from Larsson
What about Pelle Larsson?
The 25-year-old wasn’t very involved in the offense, but he has no reason to be disappointed with his performance, even if he can do better. A couple of other players in Miami have even more to think about.
Larsson, who signed a four-year contract worth nearly 600 million kronor in September, made only two shots from the field, and his only two points came from the free-throw line. The only Swede in the NBA also had three rebounds and four assists in his 24 minutes on the court.
This was the third year in a row that Miami lost its season opener. Another home game awaits against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, Swedish time.