Miami Heat Open with a Loss Despite Giannis' 35 Points

By Karen Curtis
Minnesota Timberwolves v Miami Heat

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat controls the ball ahead of Trey Lyles #41 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Kaseya Center on October 21, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images

(Miami, FL) - The Miami Heat were hoping to put the first game of the season in the win column, but Minnesota dominated the boards at the Kaseya Center.

The Timberwolves spoiled Giannis Antetokounmpo's regular-season debut for the new-look Miami Heat, cruising to a 131-106 blowout victory Wednesday night.

The Greek Freak led Miami with 35 points on 13‑of‑19 shooting, 6 rebounds, 1 assist — his highest scoring debut in Miami. Unfortunately, a poor team shooting performance ultimately sealed their fate.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 45 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

Bam Adebayo explains that the Heat were "overthinking" the first game of the season, "I think that build-up of wanting to play so good in front of our home crowd and obviously set the tone was not there. We're gonna get back to the drawing board, watch film, now it's real."

The Heat look to bounce back tomorrow night when they host the Detroit Pistons.

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