Anthony Edwards Drops 45 as Timberwolves Spoil Giannis’ Heat Debut

Anthony Edwards opened the 2026-27 season with a statement Wednesday night, pouring in 45 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves routed the Miami Heat 131-106. Edwards knocked down nine 3-pointers, while new teammate LaMelo Ball added 21 points and six assists in his Minnesota debut. The performance put Edwards alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with multiple 40-point games in season openers.

The night was supposed to showcase Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first regular-season game in a Heat uniform, and the former MVP delivered 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting before fouling out. But Minnesota overwhelmed Miami from the perimeter, outscoring the Heat 63-24 from three-point range. Jaden McDaniels added 17 points, while Rudy Gobert controlled the glass with 15 rebounds.

The bigger takeaway is how dangerous Minnesota’s reshaped roster looked around Edwards. Ball immediately supplied another creator, while Edwards remained the unquestioned offensive engine. Beating Miami by 25 on the road while spoiling Giannis’ highly anticipated debut gives Minnesota an early statement win—and Edwards another opening-night performance that puts his name beside two of basketball’s biggest legends.