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Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball shine in win over Heat
Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball shine in win over Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Heat

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 21, 2026 10:58 PM ET
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A major storyline of the NBA offseason was the Minnesota Timberwolves acquiring star point guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets.

That trade gave Minnesota one of the most exciting and dynamic frontcourts in the league with Ball and superstar guard Anthony Edwards.

That duo took the court for their first regular-season game on Wednesday against the new-look Miami Heat, and they put the NBA on notice with their performance.

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball were outstanding

Minnesota cruised to a 131-106 win over Miami, and it was the frontcourt duo that stole the show. Edwards was the star of the night, pouring in 45 points on 16-for-29 shooting, along with collecting 10 rebounds and dishing out three assists.

Ball was no slouch either, as he scored 21 points along with one steal, two rebounds and six assists. In total, the duo combined for 66 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. It was a stellar showing in their first full game together, and it showed exactly what Minnesota is capable of this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was excellent in his Miami Heat debut

Ball making his Minnesota debut wasn't the only team debut that took place Wednesday. It was also the Heat debut for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he did exactly what he's done each season of his outstanding career.

Antetokounmpo had a team-high 35 points on 13-for-19 shooting, along with six rebounds, one assist and one block. He was easily the best player on the floor for Miami and, in just one game, has been exactly worth the package the Heat gave up getting him.

Both teams have excellent seasons ahead of them

It is obvious that both Minnesota and Miami believe their respective trades for Ball and Antetokounmpo can be franchise-altering moves.

Both players are capable of All-NBA honors, and if that is the level they each perform at, then both the Timberwolves and Heat are going to have excellent seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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