By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat debut was spoiled on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the hosts at the Kaseya Center, ruining the opening game of the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season for the home crowd.
The blowout overshadowed a spectacular individual performance from the Greek superstar, leaving the team with urgent questions to answer regarding their execution, chemistry, and defensive identity moving forward.
After the deflating loss on his new home floor, a reflective Antetokounmpo took full accountability for the squad’s shortcomings and called for immediate adjustments from top to bottom.
“We just got to trust what we have been working on,” he addressed the media postgame. “I don’t know if it’s jitters. I don’t know if it’s the excitement of the first game of the season. But we’ve got to be better. We have to be better. Our offense has got to be better. We’ve got to trust one another.”
The marquee offseason acquisition particularly focused on defensive lapses and lack of baseline intensity after letting the visiting Wolves dictate the game so effortlessly. He emphasized that establishing a winning culture requires a completely different level of focus and energy.
“Our effort has got to be way better. It starts with me,” added the 31-year-old forward. “Our effort has got to be better. My effort has got to be better. Our effort was not as good as in the past. They scored 130 points in our house. I have to be better. It starts with me. I’ve got to set the tone.”
Up next in the 82-game calendar, his side faces a back-to-back with the Detroit Pistons in Miami on Friday and a visit to the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
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