Opening night belonged to Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star erupted for 45 points, 10 rebounds and 9 three-pointers as Minnesota routed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new-look Miami Heat 131-106 at the Kaseya Center on October 21 — breaking his own franchise record for an opener.
The performance put Edwards in truly rare company: he is only the third player in NBA history with multiple 40-point season openers, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. It was a statement that the 25-year-old intends this season to be his coronation.
It was a night of fireworks across the league. Luka Dončić poured in 28 points in just three quarters — including a half-court buzzer-beater before halftime — as the Lakers beat the Warriors 127-105. And Memphis guard Ty Jerome went off for a career-high 45 of his own.
For the Heat, the debut of their Giannis era could hardly have started worse: outclassed at home, on a night their new superstar was supposed to announce a new chapter.
One game does not make a season — but Edwards’ opener sent the loudest possible message about who plans to own it.
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.