Minnesota’s star paired a double-double with nine three-pointers as the Timberwolves spoiled Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first game for Miami.
Anthony Edwards opened his season with 45 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Miami Heat 131-106 on October 21. His perimeter shooting set the tone for a road victory that overshadowed a productive Miami debut from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Edwards made 16 of 29 shots, including nine of 17 from three-point range, as Minnesota repeatedly punished Miami from outside. The Timberwolves finished at 42 percent from deep, giving their new-look backcourt an immediate platform to show its scoring potential.
LaMelo Ball added 21 points and five three-pointers in his first regular-season game for Minnesota. Together, Ball and Edwards accounted for 14 of the team’s 21 threes, an early illustration of the shooting threat the pairing can present.
The performance carried a historical distinction, too. As the Associated Press reported, Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players with 40-point performances in multiple season openers, following his 41-point start against Portland last year.
Minnesota also controlled the rebounding battle, finishing with a 52-34 advantage. Rudy Gobert pulled down 15 boards and Jaden McDaniels collected eight, supporting Edwards’ double-double and preventing Miami’s size from dictating the game.
Antetokounmpo scored 35 points on 13-for-19 shooting and added six rebounds, but the Heat could not turn his efficiency into a win. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra pointed to the other end afterward, telling AFP, “We’re going to have to step up our defense.”
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