Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 35 points in Heat debut against Timberwolves
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 3:31 AM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo made his debut with the Miami Heat on October 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 35 points in 30 minutes, tying for the second-most points in a season opener of his career. Despite his strong performance, the Heat lost 131-106, with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards outscoring him with 45 points. Miami's defense struggled, allowing more than 30 points each quarter and trailing by as many as 30 points in the fourth. While Antetokounmpo received attention for his scoring, no other Heat player surpassed 15 points as the team grapples with the transition after acquiring him and Bobby Portis from the Bucks in July.
- •Giannis scored 35 points, shooting 13 for 19 from the field.
- •Heat allowed over 30 points in each quarter of the game.
- •Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 45 points.
- •Portis added seven points in his first game with Miami.
- •Heat traded four players to acquire Giannis and Portis.
- 3:31 AMYahoo Sports — Giannis Antetokounmpo debut spoiled as Heat suffer lopsided loss
- 3:18 AMYahoo Sports — How did Giannis do in season opener for the Heat? Stats, highlights
"The Miami Heat's opener was supposed to be Giannis Antetokounmpo's coronation. Instead, it turned into the most lopsided Miami Heat loss in a home opener in 20 years.
"For the first time in his NBA career, Giannis Antetokounmpo played a game not in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform. How did he do?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 22, 2026, 3:31 AMGiannis Antetokounmpo debut spoiled as Heat suffer lopsided loss
The Miami Heat's opener was supposed to be Giannis Antetokounmpo's coronation. Instead, it turned into the most lopsided Miami Heat loss in a home opener in 20 years.
- Yahoo SportsOct 22, 2026, 3:18 AMHow did Giannis do in season opener for the Heat? Stats, highlights
For the first time in his NBA career, Giannis Antetokounmpo played a game not in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform. How did he do?
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