Edwards scores 45 as Timberwolves beat Heat in Antetokounmpo debut

Anthony Edwards scored 45 points as Minnesota defeated Miami 131-106 on Wednesday, giving the Timberwolves a winning start to the NBA season and handing Giannis Antetokounmpo a loss in his Heat debut. The Associated Press reported that LaMelo Ball contributed 21 points in his first appearance for Minnesota.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-K4Hv57YWc

The long-range shooting of Minnesota's new backcourt was central to the result. According to Yahoo Sports, Edwards and Ball combined to make 14 of their 30 three-point attempts, while Miami managed eight from 33 as a team. Edwards accounted for nine of those Minnesota baskets, setting a franchise record for three-pointers in a season opener.

Edwards also reached a rare scoring milestone. Yahoo Sports reported that he became the third player with multiple season-opening performances of at least 40 points, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. Edwards had scored 41 against Portland in the previous season's opener. Chamberlain achieved the feat four times and Jordan did so on three occasions.

Minnesota established separation with a 23-7 stretch spanning the second and third quarters, according to AP. A one-point advantage became a 78-61 lead, with Edwards and Ball supplying 17 points during that run. Miami committed four turnovers and missed six of nine shots over the same period, allowing the visitors to take control around halftime.

Antetokounmpo led Miami with 35 points and six rebounds, but his production could not deliver a debut victory. Yahoo Sports reported that he and Edwards each had 21 points by halftime. The game marked Antetokounmpo's first regular-season appearance for Miami following his offseason trade from Milwaukee, where he had spent 13 seasons and won the NBA championship in 2021.

The Timberwolves also held a 52-34 rebounding advantage, AP reported. Rudy Gobert collected 15 rebounds and Edwards added 10, while Jaden McDaniels supplied 17 points and Ayo Dosunmu scored 16. Minnesota next visits Orlando on Friday; Miami, which received 15 points from Bam Adebayo, hosts Detroit the same day as it seeks its first victory.