The Minnesota Timberwolves made a strong statement to open their season with a 131-106 win over the Miami Heat. However, despite the convincing win, Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards was frustrated after the game because of an exchange with a Heat bench player.
Edwards revealed that a Miami reserve had been talking trash during the game, and the interaction appeared to fuel his performance even further.
“I think it kind of crunk me up,” Edwards said. “He was talking pretty crazy. When I started talking to him, he didn’t really have too much more to say. I don’t really like that. If you gonna talk shit, keep talking shit. Don’t get quiet.”
When asked to identify the Miami player who had been chirping at him, Edwards admitted that he did not even know the reserve's name.
“I don’t know his name,” Edwards replied.
The Timberwolves superstar finished with 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting, including nine-of-17 performance from three-point range. His scoring outburst played a crucial role in Minnesota's dominant season-opening victory.
The 25-year-old also collected 10 rebounds, recording a double-double while setting the tone for Minnesota's offense. With this performance, Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Elgin Baylor and Anthony Davis as players credited with recording at least 45 points and 10 rebounds in a season opener.
Article Continues BelowLaMelo Ball also provided another major positive for Minnesota. The former Charlotte Hornets guard finished with 21 points, six assists and two steals. If Edwards and Ball continue to develop chemistry, their partnership could become one of the team's biggest strengths this season.
The game also marked Giannis Antetokounmpo's first appearance in a Miami uniform following his blockbuster move from the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite scoring 35 points, the two-time MVP could not prevent the Heat from suffering a disappointing defeat against Minnesota.
The Timberwolves will look to build on their stellar start when they visit the Orlando Magic on Friday.