Anthony Edwards & LaMelo Ball-led Wolves Humiliate Giannis Antetokounmpo on Heat Debut

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball were outstanding in their season opener against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat.

Anthony Edwards & LaMelo Ball-led Wolves Humiliate Giannis Antetokounmpo on Heat Debut

Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Sports Illustrated and NBA)

There was a lot of chatter surrounding Anthony Edwards-led Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. So it was only fitting for the two sides to meet in their season opener.

After an even contest in the first quarter, the Wolves elevated their level and took a 10-point lead into halftime. They never let up in the second half and cruised to a 131-106 win over the Heat at the Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.

Edwards showed everyone why he is a strong MVP candidate, recording a double-double. He ended his night with a game-high 45 points and 10 rebounds, while his teammate LaMelo Ball enjoyed a solid debut with 21 points and six assists.

After the game, Edwards praised his new teammate, Ball.

At this point, me and him are gonna be like best friends.

Anthony Edwards in his post match interview

During the summer, the Wolves pulled off one of the most surprising moves by trading for the former Charlotte Hornets guard. While the move raised questions, head coach Chris Finch was optimistic and believed Ball would help Edwards take the next step.

It showed on Wednesday as the two combined very well. Edwards was able to focus more on his scoring as LaMelo Ball handled the ball and orchestrated the play. After their dominant performance, the duo definitely put the rest of the league on notice.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo takes blame despite shining on his debut

Since their run to the NBA Finals in 2024, the Heat have struggled to make any noise in the Eastern Conference. The departure of Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline last year saw them lose a superstar-caliber player.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Heat made a blockbuster trade by acquiring Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. They have made a number of changes to their roster, and the excitement surrounding the organization has been very high heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

All eyes were on Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday night, and he did not disappoint. He led the scorers for his team with 35 points to go along with six rebounds. Unfortunately, his teammates did not provide much help.

After the loss, the Greek star took accountability for not setting the tone.

Our effort gotta be way better. My effort gotta be better. They scored 130 points in our house. I have to be better. It starts with me. I gotta set the tone.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in his locker room interview

Before the season began, it was expected that the Heat would pose the most resolute defense in the league. With Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in the front court, they still had no answers to the Wolves’ offense. The Heat will need a much better performance when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Anthony Edwards on why he was super intense against the Heat

There is no doubt that Anthony Edwards is one of the best players in the league today. With Ball by his side, the NBA got a glimpse of what to expect from the former number one pick this season.

Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards (Image credits – NBA Brasil/X)

Edwards came all guns blazing and maintained his high intensity throughout the game. After the win, he revealed that his interaction with a Heat bench player riled him up.

I think it kinda crunk me up. He was talking pretty crazy. When I started talking to him he didn’t have to much more to say. I don’t really like that. If you’re gonna talk sh**, keep talking sh**. Don’t get quiet. I think that was the reason I was super intense tonight.

Anthony Edwards in his locker room interview

It was the perfect start for the Wolves. In the end, despite the drama, Edwards and the Wolves still came out victorious. The early signs are promising as they have begun this new era off on the ultimate high note.

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