Edwards Drops 45 as Timberwolves Rout Giannis' Heat in Season Opener

Minnesota's new-look backcourt announced itself in emphatic style on opening night. Anthony Edwards scored 45 points as the Timberwolves routed the Miami Heat 131-106, showing early signs that the guard-driven formula built around Edwards and LaMelo Ball can hum. The result spoiled the evening for Miami's marquee summer arrival. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his first game as a member of the Heat, but the former MVP got precious little help. Miami's supporting cast shot just 26-for-62 from the field, and the Heat managed only 24 percent shooting from three-point range. Edwards, meanwhile, looked every bit the franchise cornerstone. With Ball's shooting and playmaking easing the creative burden, Minnesota's offense flowed freely in a wire-to-wire statement win. It is only one game in an 82-game season, so the Timberwolves' offensive explosion is an encouraging first data point rather than proof of concept. But the contrast was stark: Minnesota demonstrated how two high-volume playmaking guards can amplify an entire offense, while Miami learned that even Giannis-level star power cannot paper over a roster short on reliable scoring.