Giannis erupts in Heat debut: Live updates, highlights vs. Timberwolves

Well that didn’t take long.

Two-time Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, making his Miami Heat regular-season debut Wednesday, Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, immediately imposed his will and erupted in the first half.

Antetokounmpo scored his first bucket just 13 seconds into the game, on a 16-foot pullup jumper he laced with ease after the Timberwolves dared him to shoot. That would be the last time Minnesota would do that.

Antetokounmpo actually scored Miami’s first eight points of the game and dropped a 14-point quarter to introduce himself to his new fan base.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra empowered Antetokounmpo to handle the ball and attack the paint at will, especially in transition. Antetokounmpo, who played just 36 games last season in Milwaukee because of various calf injuries, used his size, handles and length to charge to the rim. Another byproduct: Antetokounmpo got to the line in the first half, hitting 5-of-8 attempts.

Antetokounmpo finished his first first half with the Heat with 21 points on an ultra-efficient 8-of-10 shooting. He added 3 rebounds, but recorded only 1 assist, as some of his teammates missed their catch-and-shoot looks when Antetokounmpo found them.

For what it’s worth, Antetokounmpo did not record a 20-point half last season.

The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo in a June blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.