All eyes were on this summer’s star signing, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as Miami kicked off the NBA season at home at the Kaseya Center.
As expected, most of Miami’s offense revolved around the Greek giant, who scored 21 points before halftime, setting a club record for a debut in Miami.
Overall, however, Miami’s new-look team did not work out well at all. Pelle Larsson began his third NBA season on the bench and entered the game for the first time late in the first quarter. By then, the visitors had taken an eight-point lead.
Made nine three-pointers
With Larsson on the court, Miami soon caught up, but the momentum quickly faded. Minnesota hurt Miami with excellent long-range shooting, and its 69–59 halftime lead grew even further right after the break, when Anthony Edwards in particular caught fire from the three-point line.
The American star outshone Antetokounmpo and finished the game with 45 points, making nine three-pointers.
Two points from Larsson
As for Pelle Larsson?
The 25-year-old was not very involved in the offense, but there is no need to apologize for his performance, even if he can do better. A couple of other players in Miami have even more to think about.
“We have to improve our defense,” coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game, according to AFP, adding that the defense “didn’t look like us.”
Larsson, who signed a four-year contract worth nearly 600 million kronor in September, only attempted two shots from outside the arc, and his only two points came from the free-throw line. The only Swede in the NBA also recorded three rebounds and four assists in just under 24 minutes on the court.
This was the third year in a row that Miami lost its season opener. Another home game awaits on Saturday night, Swedish time, against the Detroit Pistons.
