Anthony Edwards Scores 45 Points as Timberwolves Rout Heat 131-106 in Season Opener

NBA History Made Wednesday Night

Anthony Edwards made NBA history with a spectacular shooting performance, LaMelo Ball enjoyed a successful Minnesota debut, and the Timberwolves spoiled Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first game with Miami in a 131-106 victory over the Heat on Wednesday night.

Edwards knocked down nine 3-pointers and finished with 45 points, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to score at least 40 points in multiple season openers. Minnesota also dominated the rebounding battle and overwhelmed Miami from beyond the arc to begin its season with an impressive win.

Edwards Joins Chamberlain and Jordan in NBA Record Books

Edwards continued his tradition of delivering big performances on opening night. After scoring 41 points in last season’s opener against Portland, the Minnesota star went even higher Wednesday, pouring in 45 points to lead the Timberwolves. His nine 3-pointers helped Minnesota establish a commanding advantage from long range, as the Timberwolves outscored Miami 63-24 from beyond the arc.

Only Chamberlain and Jordan had previously scored at least 40 points in multiple season openers. Chamberlain accomplished the feat four consecutive times from 1959 through 1962, while Jordan did it in 1986, 1989 and 1995. Edwards’ latest performance placed him alongside two of the greatest scorers in basketball history while giving Minnesota a powerful start to its campaign.

Timberwolves Pull Away With Decisive Second Half Run

Minnesota took control with a six-minute stretch that began late in the second quarter and continued into the third. The Timberwolves turned a one point lead into a 78-61 advantage with a decisive 23-7 run. Edwards and Ball combined for 17 points during the surge, while Miami struggled offensively, missing six of nine shots and committing four turnovers.

The Heat briefly threatened to make things interesting, cutting the deficit to eight points midway through the third quarter. Minnesota responded with another overwhelming stretch, putting together a 45-23 run to put the game out of reach.

Edwards scored 18 points during that surge as Miami’s shooting troubles from 3-point range continued. The Heat missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc during the stretch, allowing Minnesota to build an insurmountable lead.

Jaden McDaniels finished with 17 points for the Timberwolves, while Ayo Dosunmu contributed 16 and Jonathan Kuminga added 12. Rudy Gobert controlled the glass with 15 rebounds, and Edwards collected 10 rebounds to record a double double. Minnesota outrebounded Miami 52-34, complementing its 39-point advantage from 3-point range with a dominant performance on the boards.

Antetokounmpo Scores 35 in Heat Debut

Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive individual performance in his first game with Miami, finishing with 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting. He also grabbed six rebounds and scored 21 points in the first half.

However, the veteran forward received little help in keeping the Heat competitive as Minnesota steadily increased its advantage. Antetokounmpo eventually fouled out, ending his debut on a difficult note despite his efficient scoring. Bam Adebayo added 15 points for Miami, which struggled to match Minnesota’s offensive firepower and defensive intensity.

The loss extended the Heat’s season opening losing streak to three games, marking the third time in franchise history they have dropped three consecutive openers. For Minnesota, the victory marked its sixth win in its last eight season openers and provided an early statement behind Edwards’ historic performance.

Next Basketball Game for both Timberwolves and Heat

The Timberwolves will visit the Orlando Magic on Friday as they look to carry their opening-night momentum into their first road game of the season. Miami will return home Friday to host the Detroit Pistons, looking to bounce back after a disappointing start and find better offensive balance around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.