ANTHONY Edwards delivered a record-breaking 45-point performance, burying nine three-pointers to power the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 131-106 demolition of the Miami Heat and overshadow Giannis Antetokounmpo’s much-anticipated debut in the NBA season opener Wednesday night (Thursday in the Philippines).
Edwards turned the opening-night showdown into a one-man shooting exhibition, becoming only the third player in NBA history to register multiple 40-point performances in season openers, joining basketball legends Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan.
The Timberwolves superstar shot an impressive 16-of-29 from the field, including nine triples in 17 attempts, while hauling down 10 rebounds in a dominant all-around performance.
His 45-point explosion also established a Minnesota franchise record for the highest individual scoring output in a season opener and marked the 125th time in his career that he reached the 30-point plateau.
With Minnesota comfortably ahead by 28 points, Edwards checked out with 3:51 remaining, having already put the game beyond Miami’s reach.
Antetokounmpo, acquired by the Heat in a blockbuster offseason trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, delivered 35 points and six rebounds in his Miami debut, converting 13 of his 19 field-goal attempts.
However, the former NBA Most Valuable Player’s impressive offensive showing was not enough to prevent a lopsided defeat. His first appearance in a Heat uniform ended prematurely when he was ejected with seven minutes remaining.
LaMelo Ball also made an impressive Minnesota debut, firing 21 points and distributing six assists while knocking down five three-pointers.
Jaden McDaniels chipped in 17 points, while Rudy Gobert controlled the boards with 15 rebounds as the Timberwolves showcased their offensive firepower.
For Miami, Bam Adebayo contributed 15 points, while Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell finished with 11 apiece. Mitchell also recorded 10 assists.
Klay Thompson, another high-profile offseason acquisition, managed 10 points in his first appearance for the Heat.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets opened their campaign with a 110-103 victory over the Brooklyn Nets behind impressive debuts from Grayson Allen and former Timberwolves big man Naz Reid.
Allen provided an immediate offensive spark off the bench, scoring 21 points on six-of-nine shooting, including five three-pointers. Charlotte outscored Brooklyn by 20 points during his 29 minutes on the court.
Reid, acquired from Minnesota in the offseason deal involving Ball, delivered a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds while adding seven assists.
The versatile big man converted eight of his 18 field-goal attempts, including four triples, and helped Charlotte dominate the offensive glass to produce 20 second-chance points.
Dennis Schroder contributed 19 points and six assists in his debut for his 12th NBA franchise, while Brandon Miller added 18 points and Moussa Diabate chipped in 17.
Julius Randle paced Brooklyn with a game-high 33 points in his first appearance for the Nets, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 26 points and seven rebounds. No other Brooklyn player scored in double figures.
In other opening-night games, the Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 128-110; Indiana Pacers escaped the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-120; Memphis Grizzlies crushed the Utah Jazz, 123-103; and Toronto Raptors overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls, 135-92.
The Atlanta Hawks also prevailed over the Orlando Magic, 132-125, while the Washington Wizards stunned the Milwaukee Bucks, 128-116./PN
