MIAMI – With Giannis Antetokounmpo starting a new chapter in the NBA with the Miami Heat this season, the first glimpse of how the team will operate with the two-time MVP came in Saturday's 128-105 win over the Toronto Raptors in the preseason opener. As other newcomers join the Heat with Antetokounmpo, like Tim Hardaway Jr., the veteran guard explains a certain aspect about the big man that will lead to major success with Miami.

In the preseason win, Antetokounmpo would log 14 minutes of play, recording nine points on three-for-three shooting from the field, three of four from the free-throw line, to go along with seven assists and four rebounds. What stood out the most was the way he initiated offense through his playmaking ability and attracting defenders while doing so.

Hardaway had a nice night of his own, leading the team with 14 points on four-for-four shooting from the field, making all three from beyond the arc. Speaking to ClutchPoints on Monday, he cited Antetokounmpo's “gravity” as being a trait that adds a key layer to the team.

“We make the extra pass, and then we go from there and live with the results,” Hardaway said. “But it was very fun and very exciting for the most part. Very fast. Guy takes up a lot of space. His gravity is insane. So just still learning as the preseason goes on. He's gonna be out there with a lot of different lineups. So we just gotta understand what we're dealing with. But all in all, solid performance.”

Heat's Klay Thompson impressed with Giannis Antetokounmpo's passing

It's important to note that the basis for the offensive performance from the Heat is based on one preseason game where Antetokounmpo played 14 minutes, but it was still a positive first effort. Miami would record 41 points in the first quarter and 76 points in the first half, which also showcased its fast pace, which the Heat led the league in last season.

For another newcomer, Klay Thompson was impressed by Antetokounmpo's playmaking.

“My thoughts are how I was so impressed by Giannis' playmaking,” Thompson said. “I mean, I know he's a great passer, but wow, he gets so many great looks. I'm going to be on the receiving end of so many of those, so I'm not worried about my field goal attempts or shooting efficiency as much in the preseason. I'm more just focused on getting a grasp of this offensive system, defensive system, and being in the right spots. So I've been in this league a long time. I'm going to be able to have great looks.”

Klay Thompson on Giannis’ playmaking, the suffocating defense played against him:

“I was so impressed, to be honest, with the playmaking…I've been in this league a long time. I'm going to be able to have great looks…” #Heat pic.twitter.com/piUMudZvhX

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 5, 2026

Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo has “dopamine hits” when getting assists

Antetokounmpo's passing and playmaking would even garner the attention of head coach Erik Spoelstra, who compared him to legendary point guard Magic Johnson. When hearing that, Antetokounmpo was no doubt flattered, though candidly saying that he believes he's “far away” from Johnson, citing how he gets “dopamine hits” when recording assists.

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“It's a great compliment. I think I'm far away from Magic Johnson, if not the best point guard to ever play this game,” Antetokounmpo said Monday. “But it's always fun to me. I think every coach that I've been around, they always say the same thing…Like, ‘Oh, actually, I didn't know that Giannis could pass the ball.' I've had J-Kidd [Jason Kidd] say that in the past. Coach Bud [Mike Budenholzer], Doc Rivers, now Coach Spo [Spoelstra]. So for me, I take pride in making plays for myself and for my teammates.”

“It's almost like I get little dopamine hits when I'm able to get in the lane and find the open guy for a three or for an easy two,” Antetokounmpo continued. “I've always enjoyed that, and now I have the opportunity within our offense that it's kind of easy. The spacing is easy. Everybody's moving. I think it's kind of easier for me to find those guys. I'm looking forward to guys making shots, being open, and me trying to deliver the ball as well as I can.”

At any rate, Antetokounmpo will continue to build chemistry with the Heat as the home preseason opener is on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans, which is ahead of the first game of the regular season on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.