Giannis scores 35, Miami loses to Minnesota in season opener

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat 131-106 on the road in the opening game of the 2026/27 NBA regular season. The visitors pulled away in the second half at Kaseya Center, overshadowing Giannis Antetokounmpo's first game in a Heat jersey.

The Greek star heard MVP chants from the stands in the early minutes of the first quarter. Playing 30 minutes, Antetokounmpo made 13 of 19 shots and scored 35 points. He also had 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist.

The man of the match was Anthony Edwards. Minnesota's star made 16 of 29 shots and produced 45 points. Hitting nine three-pointers, Edwards dismantled Erik Spoelstra's defensive plan.

Among the European players who came off the bench for the Heat, Nikola Jovic scored 4 points and Pelle Larsson scored 2. Simone Fontecchio did not score. Russian center Vladislav Goldin, who has recovered from a sprained right ankle, was in the squad but did not play.

For Minnesota, Rudy Gobert played 32:48 and had 5 points, 15 rebounds and 1 assist. Joan Beringer had 6 rebounds and 1 assist in 14:13 on the court. Donte DiVincenzo did not play because he is still recovering from right Achilles tendon surgery.