The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2026-27 NBA season with an emphatic 131-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, spoiling Giannis Antetokounmpo’s debut in a Miami uniform. Anthony Edwards delivered a spectacular performance, finishing with 45 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota to a statement win on the road.
Edwards Leads Minnesota’s Offensive Explosion
Edwards was nearly unstoppable throughout the contest, scoring from all over the floor and repeatedly punishing Miami’s defense from beyond the arc. He finished 16-of-29 from the field and connected on nine three-pointers, setting a Timberwolves franchise record for points in a season opener.
The performance also placed Edwards in elite company. He became just the third player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point performances in season openers, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan.
Minnesota received plenty of help from its supporting cast. LaMelo Ball, making his Timberwolves debut, contributed 21 points and six assists, giving the team another dangerous offensive option. Jaden McDaniels added 17 points, while Rudy Gobert controlled the glass with 15 rebounds.
The Timberwolves knocked down 21 three pointers, consistently stretching Miami’s defense and creating opportunities to attack the basket.
Giannis Shines Despite Miami’s Loss
Although Miami struggled to keep pace, Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive individual performance in his first game with the Heat following his offseason move from Milwaukee.
The superstar finished with 35 points and six rebounds, shooting 13-of-19 from the field. He provided an immediate glimpse of what he could bring to Miami’s offense, using his strength and ability to finish around the rim to keep the Heat competitive early.
However, Antetokounmpo received limited support as Minnesota pulled away. Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points, while Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell scored 11 apiece. Klay Thompson added 10 points in his Miami debut, but the Heat could not match Minnesota’s outside shooting.
Timberwolves Take Control After Halftime
Miami kept the game competitive during the first half, briefly taking a 50-49 lead on a three-pointer from Bobby Portis Jr. Edwards and Antetokounmpo each scored 21 points before halftime, but Minnesota finished the second quarter strongly to take a 69-59 advantage into the break.
The Timberwolves carried that momentum into the third quarter. Edwards and Ball hit early three-pointers, helping Minnesota extend its lead and put the game increasingly out of reach. Minnesota continued to find open looks from deep, while Miami struggled to generate enough offense to mount a comeback.
The Heat ultimately made just eight three-pointers, compared with Minnesota’s 21. That difference proved decisive as the Timberwolves steadily increased their advantage in the second half.
Minnesota Sends an Early Message
The victory gives Minnesota an encouraging start to the new season and offers an early look at the potential of its revamped lineup. Edwards remains the team’s offensive centerpiece, while Ball’s debut suggests he could provide another valuable playmaker alongside the Timberwolves’ established stars.
For Miami, Antetokounmpo’s scoring performance was a positive sign despite the disappointing result. The Heat will need better defensive execution and more consistent perimeter shooting if they hope to turn his individual production into wins.
Minnesota leaves Miami with a convincing opening-night victory, while the Heat are left searching for answers after falling behind in the second half.
