Timberwolves Dominate Heat in Season Opener

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat 131-106 in their season opener, with Anthony Edwards scoring 45 points and hitting nine 3-pointers, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan in a rare scoring feat. This dominant win sets a strong tone for Minnesota, while Miami's new star Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out late in his first game with the team.

The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a commanding 131-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night in Miami. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota’s charge by scoring 45 points, including nine 3-pointers, joining an exclusive group of players to register at least 40 points in multiple season openers alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. LaMelo Ball contributed 21 points in his debut for the Timberwolves. Miami’s newly acquired star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points but fouled out before the game’s conclusion in his first appearance with the Heat.

In Washington, the Wizards secured a 128-116 win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the season opener for both teams. Anthony Davis made an immediate impact in his Wizards debut, posting 34 points and 12 rebounds. The top overall draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, was sidelined due to an ankle injury and did not play.

The Indiana Pacers edged the New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 in a closely contested game at New Orleans. Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, including 18 in the final quarter, while Tyrese Haliburton, returning after a 16-month recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, contributed 23 points in his first regular-season game since his injury.

In Toronto, the Raptors dominated the Chicago Bulls 135-92, with Kawhi Leonard totaling 23 points in his return to the Raptors lineup. Immanuel Quickley also added 23 points for Toronto.

The Portland Trail Blazers routed the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in Portland, led by Damian Lillard’s 25 points in his first regular-season appearance since rejoining the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their season with a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Walker Kessler made a strong debut for the Lakers, scoring 26 points.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.