35-point Giannis Antetokounmpo Heat debut wasn’t enough for Miami to beat the Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did just about everything the Miami Heat could have asked for in his debut. It still was not close to enough. Antetokounmpo scored 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting, knocking down 9-of-14 free throws and grabbing six rebounds, but the Heat were blown out 131-106 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener on Wednesday night in Miami.
The two-time MVP wasted no time making his presence felt. He hit a 16-foot pullup jumper just 13 seconds into the game after Minnesota dared him to shoot, then scored Miami’s first eight points. By halftime, he had 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra gave Antetokounmpo the freedom to handle the ball and attack the paint, especially in transition, and he made the Timberwolves pay. The problem was the lack of help around him. Several of his teammates missed open looks off his passes, while Bam Adebayo added 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
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Minnesota, meanwhile, had an answer for everything thanks to Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star exploded for 45 points and 10 rebounds, setting a franchise record for points in a season opener. Edwards had 36 points through three quarters on 14-of-24 shooting, including 7-of-13 from three, as Minnesota built an 18-point lead heading into the fourth.
LaMelo Ball also impressed in his own debut with the Timberwolves after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets, finishing with 21 points and six assists.
The performance was still an encouraging sign for Miami. The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster June trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, sending Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. the other way. Health was the biggest question mark coming in, as calf injuries limited Antetokounmpo to just 36 games last season.
If Wednesday was any indication, the 31-year-old still has plenty left in the tank. The bigger concern for Miami is figuring out how to build enough support around him.
As for Herro and Jaquez, both had big nights of their own in their Bucks debuts, scoring 24 and 22 points, respectively, though Milwaukee also lost its opener to the Washington Wizards.
The Heat will look to bounce back and get Antetokounmpo his first win in Miami in their next game.
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