Giannis Antetokounmpo’s regular-season Miami Heat debut ended in disappointing fashion during Thursday’s opening night 131-106 blowout to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Miami’s new superstar did his part, totaling 35 points and 6 rebounds on 13 of 19 shooting— good for the most points ever scored in a Heat player debut. However, the support from the rest of the roster was nonexistent. Bam Adebayo submitted a quiet 15 points and 7 boards, as other key rotation players didn’t make much of a winning impact either.
Across the board it was a poor team effort on both ends of the court. Now, the focus shifts to a hopeful bounce back performance as Miami is set to host the Detroit Pistons on the first night of a back-to-back. The Pistons are coming off a comeback win on opening night over the Boston Celtics.
Detroit’s All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren will be crucial to contain. But as a whole, the Heat will look to up their defensive intensity and knock down more of their 3-point looks. The Heat defense allowed nearly 70 points in the first half against the Wolves and shot just 24% from deep in the loss.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Miami Heat:
- None (all players currently listed as available).
Detroit Pistons :
- Taurean Prince (personal) — PROBABLE
- Isaac Jones (g-league) — OUT
- Elijah Harkless (g-league) — OUT
- Ugonna Onyenso (g-league) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Klay Thompson, G
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Detroit Pistons:
- Cade Cunningham, G
- Duncan Robinson, G
- Ausar Thompson, F
- John Collins, F
- Jalen Duren, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
- TV: WPLG Local 10 (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
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Today will require coaching adjustments by Spo and attitude adjustments by players. Nothing will be given to the Heat this year.
Every single step forward must be earned. Intensity, focus, determination, confidence, communication and teamwork must be evident from the opening tipoff.
If Klay or Hardaway are not effective, I would not hesitate to insert Gardner or Conwell. If the blowout loss to Minn wasn’t a wakeup call, I don’t know what will be.
Detroit has a good team. Unless we improve, it’s going to be another loss.
The schedule makers didn’t do us any favors. Another very good team comes to town. However, I expect this will be a closer game, possibly a win.
Balance between Greek and others.
That’s exactly it!
Box out and rebound the damn ball
Hopefully they realize the season has started. 😛