Anthony Edwards Drops 45 Points as Timberwolves Dominate Miami Heat

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Anthony Edwards delivered a spectacular performance to open the 2026–27 NBA season, scoring 45 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat 131–106 on October 21, 2026.

The 25-year-old shooting guard dominated from beyond the arc, making nine three-pointers while collecting 10 rebounds and three assists.

His performance not only secured an impressive opening-night victory for Minnesota but also placed him alongside two of basketball’s greatest legends, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

Edwards Delivers a Historic Performance

Edwards wasted little time establishing himself as the game’s biggest offensive threat.

He scored 12 points in the opening quarter and added another nine before halftime, helping Minnesota establish an early advantage.

His strongest stretch came during the third quarter, when he scored 15 points and repeatedly punished Miami’s defense.

By the time he left the court late in the fourth quarter, Edwards had converted 16 of his 29 field-goal attempts, including nine of 17 shots from three-point range.

His 45 points established a new Timberwolves franchise record for a season-opening game.

Joining Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain

The performance carried additional historical significance.

Edwards became only the third player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in multiple season-opening games.

The exclusive group previously consisted of Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan.

Chamberlain achieved the feat four times between 1959 and 1962, while Jordan recorded three such performances during his legendary career.

Edwards had already scored 41 points against Portland in Minnesota’s opening game of the previous season.

His latest performance made him only the second player after Chamberlain to achieve consecutive 40-point season openers.

Minnesota’s Three-Point Shooting Overwhelms Miami

The Timberwolves’ outside shooting proved decisive.

Minnesota converted 21 three-pointers throughout the contest, compared with just eight for Miami.

Edwards alone made more three-pointers than the entire Heat roster.

The difference allowed Minnesota to stretch Miami’s defense and create scoring opportunities across the court.

Although the Heat briefly took the lead during the second quarter, the Timberwolves responded with a powerful scoring run that shifted momentum firmly in their favor.

LaMelo Ball Impresses in Timberwolves Debut

Edwards wasn’t the only Minnesota player making headlines.

LaMelo Ball delivered an encouraging debut following his arrival during the offseason.

The guard scored 21 points, made five three-pointers, and contributed six assists.

His combination of passing, shooting, and creativity added another dimension to Minnesota’s offense.

Jaden McDaniels also contributed 17 points, while Rudy Gobert collected 15 rebounds.

Together, the performances demonstrated the team’s offensive depth beyond its leading scorer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes His Miami Debut

The game also marked Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first regular-season appearance for the Miami Heat following his offseason move from Milwaukee.

The two-time NBA MVP scored 35 points and grabbed six rebounds, providing Miami with its strongest offensive performance.

Antetokounmpo matched Edwards with 21 first-half points, keeping the Heat competitive during the opening stages.

However, Minnesota’s outside shooting eventually proved too difficult to overcome.

Bam Adebayo added 15 points, but Miami struggled to match the Timberwolves’ offensive efficiency.

Timberwolves Take Control After Halftime

Minnesota entered halftime with a 69–59 advantage before extending its lead during the third quarter.

A decisive 23–7 scoring run across the second and third quarters helped the visitors establish control.

Edwards continued attacking the basket and converting difficult perimeter shots, while Ball provided additional offensive support.

Miami struggled to respond, particularly from three-point range.

The Timberwolves maintained their advantage throughout the final quarter, eventually securing a comfortable 25-point victory.

A Statement Start to the New Season

Edwards’ performance provided an exciting opening chapter to Minnesota’s 2026–27 campaign.

His combination of scoring efficiency, confidence, and rebounding demonstrated why he remains central to the Timberwolves’ ambitions.

The victory also offered an encouraging first look at his partnership with LaMelo Ball.

For Miami, the defeat highlighted the adjustments still required following Antetokounmpo’s arrival.

With 45 points, nine three-pointers, and a place alongside two NBA legends, Edwards ensured that Minnesota’s opening night would be remembered for more than just the final score.