The spotlight was supposed to belong to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, Anthony Edwards turned opening night into his own personal highlight reel, delivering a spectacular performance that immediately sent a message to the rest of the NBA.
The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar erupted for 45 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a commanding 131-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, completely overshadowing Antetokounmpo’s highly anticipated debut in South Beach.
Edwards was nothing short of sensational, shooting 16-of-29 from the field while knocking down an astonishing nine three-pointers on 17 attempts. He needed just 33 minutes to dismantle Miami’s defense, combining explosive drives with seemingly effortless long-range shooting.
His performance was historic in several ways. The 45 points established a new Timberwolves franchise record for a season opener, while his nine three-pointers also set a new Minnesota opening-night mark.
EL ESTRENO DE ANTHONY EDWARDS 🤯🐜
45 PUNTOS y 10 REBOTES para abrir la temporada con triunfo ante Miami Heat.
Desatado por completo. https://t.co/3rjN48N3mg
— NBASpain (@NBAspain) October 22, 2026
Even more impressively, Edwards became just the third player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in multiple season openers, joining Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Having already scored 41 points against Portland to begin the 2025-26 campaign, Edwards has now opened consecutive seasons with performances worthy of the league’s greatest scorers.
He also became the first player in NBA history to record at least 45 points, 10 rebounds and five made three-pointers in a season opener.
The game itself initially appeared destined to become a celebration of Antetokounmpo’s arrival in Miami. The two-time MVP delivered an impressive individual performance, finishing with 35 points and six rebounds on 13-of-19 shooting before fouling out.
However, Edwards had other plans. After the Heat briefly threatened Minnesota’s lead, Edwards and new backcourt partner LaMelo Ball took control. A decisive 23-7 run spanning the second and third quarters helped the Timberwolves establish a commanding advantage, with Miami unable to recover.
Ball contributed 21 points and six assists in his Minnesota debut, while the Timberwolves connected on 21 three-pointers as a team, compared to just eight for Miami. Jaden McDaniels added 17 points, and Rudy Gobert controlled the glass with 15 rebounds.
But the night unquestionably belonged to Edwards. His combination of scoring efficiency, breathtaking athleticism and confidence from beyond the arc offered another reminder of why he has emerged as one of basketball’s most electrifying superstars.
Minnesota entered the new season with championship ambitions and a revamped roster. If opening night was any indication, the Timberwolves have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
