The Minnesota Timberwolves blew past the new-look Miami Heat, thanks to superstar Anthony Edwards delivering an explosive scoring performance in his team's season opener. Edwards, playing in his seventh season, made 16 of 29 field goals, including 9 of 17 3-pointers, to finish with 45 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out three assists, had one steal, and blocked a shot in his team's 131-106 blowout of the Heat featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In addition to powering his team to a 1-0 start to the season, Edwards joined some impressive company with several historic feats. He joined NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players to score at least 40 points in multiple season openers. More news: Draymond Green Makes Bold Luka Doncic Claim Before Warriors-Lakers Clash This was the second time that Edwards scored 40 or more in a season opener.
Jordan accomplished the feat three times, while Chamberlain holds the record with four season-opening games in which he scored 40-plus points. Along with that, Edwards joined Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Elgin Baylor, and Anthony Davis as the only players to record a 45-point, 10-rebound stat line in his team's season opener. ESPN Insights revealed the impressive feat following the Timberwolves' win, indicating that Edwards scored buckets on each of the eight primary defenders the Heat used against him.
In addition to his field goals, he made 4 of 5 free throws in the game. His 10 rebounds were all on the defensive side and part of Minnesota's control of the glass. They outrebounded the Heat 52-34 on their home court in a game that "The Greek Freak" played well, but not well enough to outdo Edwards and the Timberwolves.
More importantly, Edwards got off to a hot start in a new-look season for the Timberwolves. After missing the Western Conference Finals following two consecutive appearances, Minnesota made several offseason changes, including trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets and acquiring LaMelo Ball to pair with Edwards in the backcourt. Ball had a strong debut with 21 points, six assists, and two rebounds.
Based on the combined 66 points, Minnesota's entertaining new backcourt combination could be a problem for many NBA teams this coming season. More news: LeBron James Confronts Knicks Fan in Heated Exchange During 76ers Debut For more about the Minnesota Timberwolves and NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
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