Anthony Edwards Erupts for 45 as Timberwolves Set Tone Against Heat
Anthony Edwards scored 45 points and made nine 3-pointers, breaking his own Minnesota Timberwolves franchise record in a 131-106 season-opening win over the Miami Heat. LaMelo Ball added 21 points and six assists in his Minnesota debut.
Edwards sets Minnesota record in season-opening rout
Anthony Edwards opened his seventh NBA season with a franchise-record shooting display, scoring 45 points and making nine 3-pointers as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat 131-106 on Thursday, according to the NBAâs season-opening report.
Edwardsâ nine 3-pointers surpassed his own Minnesota franchise record. LaMelo Ball added 21 points and six assists in his Minnesota debut, while the Timberwolvesâ victory came against a Miami team featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A statement opening night
The result gave Minnesota one of the most emphatic performances of the NBAâs opening stretch. The Timberwolves pulled away behind Edwardsâ perimeter shooting, with the guardâs 45-point night serving as the central storyline from the 25-point win.
The performance also marked a notable individual milestone: Edwards broke a franchise record he had previously held. Ballâs debut provided a second headline for Minnesota as the team paired the new additionâs production with Edwardsâ record-setting scoring.
The NBA report characterized the victory as a statement win, with Minnesota overwhelming Miami in the opener rather than relying on a late-game finish.