By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Miami Heat offense clicked smoothly at Kaseya Center during a 128–118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo stole the show on Thursday. Making his home debut with his new team in the NBA Preseason 2026, the Greek superstar played less than 18 minutes but provided several jaw-dropping highlights. He tallied 18 points, punishing the defense inside by hitting 8-of-13 two-pointers. He filled the box score with four assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
“We’re working. We’re getting better,” said the Greek Freak in his postgame media session. “The team is scoring the ball. The second unit is playing great. The third unit is coming in, competing, winning games for us. It’s looking good so far, but still we can be a lot better.”
“I’m trying to figure out my spots, offensively. It’s going to take time,” he added, looking ahead to improved chemistry over the next few weeks and during the 2026–27 Regular Season.
Serbian teammate Nikola Jovic chipped in eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Italian Simone Fontecchio added six points. However, Russian Vladislav Goldin and Swedish Pelle Larsson, with the latter dealing with an illness. For the Pels, Croatian Karlo Matkovic had nine points.
Up next in the preseason, Erik Spoelstra’s squad welcomes the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets to Florida, before visiting the Orlando Magic. They open the Regular Season at home against the Wolves on October 21.
The Pelicans stay on the road to face the Dallas Mavericks. After that, they host the Washington Wizards before opening the 82-game calendar against the Indiana Pacers at Smoothie King Center on October 21.
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