Another preseason game, another electric Giannis Antetokounmpo outing— as the Miami Heat’s new superstar shows out in limited minutes in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, 144-128.
Miami improves to 3-1 in the preseason after the victory, with just one final matchup until the official start of the 2026-27 regular season. Several Heat players played well, but none better than Antetokounmpo, who led the way with a dominant 20 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists and three blocks statline on 80% shooting. He led all Heat scorers, and did it all in just 24 minutes of action.
Miami outscored Brooklyn by 15 points in Antetokounmpo’s minutes, as the Heat star had his imprints all over the game on both ends of the court. After the game, Antetokounmpo insinuated that fans haven’t even seen nearly the best yet: “I just want the regular season to start. That’s when I get my dopamine.”
The Heat played all four expected starters except Bam Adebayo, as the big man sat out for rest. Nick Richards received the spot start in Adebayo’s absence.
Andrew Wiggins impressed with 19 points and 6 boards in 22 minutes. The veteran wing is primed for a strong year as a key piece to this revamped Heat roster. Davion Mitchell dropped 13 points and 4 assists, to go along with Klay Thompson’s 12 points.
Off the bench, Bobby Portis added 12 points on an efficient 5 of 8 shooting overall. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 14 points as well— with both players expected to be crucial contributors to the second unit. As a team, Miami shot 56% from the field, 36% from 3-point range and won the rebounding battle 50-37.
The Heat will now travel to face the in-state rival Orlando Magic hoping to finish 4-1 in their preseason finale.
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It’s hard to express the difference between the Superstar and the very good player. But, you know it when you see it. We are going to enjoy watching Giannis. Now, if we can only give him enough of a supporting cast. I believe we are pretty close, not quite there yet. We look great now but when we play the top teams when it means something, only then will we get a true picture of where we are at. But, at this time our fans have every right to be cautiously optimistic. There’s a good anticipatory vibe in the air.
when we play the top teams when it means something, only then will we get a true picture of where we are at…….
Now, I agree with that statement. It’s why I don’t agree with the statement that we are not quite there yet. You, and others, may be right, but I think this team can compete with anyone as it is now. Even if our bc is not a great one and not as good as some other teams, how many teams have a better front court? I think the answer is: close to zero.
Yep, your point of view could be right . I’m not saying I’m sure at all. What I said was speculating using my own internal judgement. Glad to hear how you see it and I d rather you be right.
Yes. It’s not that I know or am predicting how things will turn out. I’m just looking forward to the ride. As I’ve said before, if one is going to feel bad anytime you don’t win a championship, you’re going to feel bad 90% of the time, because with 30 teams in the NBA, there’s always going to be just one winner and 29 losers.
when u have the second best player in nba maybe the best u do have a chance to win it all.this is not jimmy butler a very good player but not a ss .we have a 4-5 year window for jewelry i expect at least one.if we dont win it all it wont be because of greek just supporting cast wasn t good enough
Perhaps. Well, health can also come into play. Luck can play a part. Also, along the lines of luck, a team that happens to get hot at exactly the right time can go further than expected.
There is always a part of the winning equation that you can’t plan for. That’s even true for horse racing. In the words of Dan Fogelberg…”it’s breeding and it’s training and it’s something unknown. That drives you and carries you home.”
I see it the same. Every player brings their unique skill sets so comparisons to Butler are difficult as Jimmy had that will to win that made him great. But, yes, Giannis may be even more dominant when each is fully healthy. It remains to be seen if he is the closer Jimmy was/is?
I agree though that, if available, Giannis just needs a supporting cast. We have the superstar piece of the puzzle, which is the hardest part to get. Now, let’s hope that we somehow put enough around him. That, with the cap constraints, is easier said than done.
Richards played well. His mobility is a challenge to what Bam will need to add to his game.
In contrast, Richards lacked Bam’s mass strength and had the ball stripped off him quite often in the paint that could have been made baskets for the Heat but ended up being turnovers. That is less likely to happen to Bam in the paint without a foul being committed against Bam.
Newton’s second law of Motion: Acceleration is inversely proportional to Mass
It is either Richard’s fluidity or Bam’s inner core strength.
In this only game with Giannis, Richards jelled well with Giannis than Giannis and Bam on the floor together offensively.
Spo will have to tinker which he prefers, perhaps he needs more games with Giannis/Richards pair with some consistency in production both defensively and offensively to make a decision.
Since it’s game 1, might as well throw this here. Any Edwards on upcoming Wolves season.
“When y’all see the Timberwolves come to town … they on bulls–t,” he said. “We gonna foul the s–t out of you. … Yeah, we on that. I just want you all to know, that’s what’s going on. … Get your season tickets because s–t’s going to be turned up this year. If you miss a game, you’re going to miss out.”
What is that? what it means? Isnt that there is Ball over there, which injured Bam last season there?
That guy needs to get a punch or two for that. So, there will be fouls for sure.
Thought the same thing. Plus, we play game 1! Bam will be ready.
Not the most articulate delivery of Antman’s thoughts. But, I’m taking it to mean things are going to get physical. If so, it will only limit the Wolves success.
Giannis postgame
https://youtu.be/OTLE3Ifliqw?si=fGXsFB3PXzxkvx7c
Giannis needs a strong scoring partner (21+ppg). Hopefully that will be Bam. If not, they may need to look at other options.
With all the opponents’ attention concentrating on Giannis, Bam should get good looks and his ppg should go up
hi sm my name is kyrie im a little older now lil more injured lately but when i get out of bed i can give u 21 a night. dont listen to your friend rc he doesnt know me that well
PS. I never said, that the earth is flat. Also, when the next pandemic arrived, I ll be the first in line for vaccination.
lol!
Hi SM, my name is Mr CBA. Your friend Hfl has never spent time with me or tried to understand me. In fact, I have heard he doesn’t like me at all. I think it’s just that I stand in the way of the Heat acquiring that Irving fellow he likes so much.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have that kind of power.
True that Kyrie may want out in the near future. And, he does seem healthy. Add him to this team, minus maybe Wiggins and Pelle, for example (or hopefully less), and we’d be parading. But, let’s just say we would be very fortunate to acquire him and no one should get your hopes up.
In case anyone missed the game or just wants to take another look.
https://youtu.be/4Mtdux5j_5U?si=qNhuCSz2Ys9Y_LMF
Thangya vera mush.
I had a chance to see the game highlights. Imagine how good the defense will be when Bam and Pelle return. After watching Giannis defend the paint, when Bam is back, together they are going to be hell in the interior for opposing teams. Portis and Richards looked pretty good too off the bench.
With players such as Mitchell, Wiggins, Thompson, Larson, Gardner, Connelly defending the perimeter, I think Miami’s opponents are going to get very frustrated offensively, very quickly. I love watching a very good defensive team (under 110 ppg) which also has a very good offense (over 120 ppg). I see Miami as one of those teams.
Heat’s first 6 games are in October against:
T’Wolves @ home (10/21)
Pistons @ home (10/23)
Hornets @ Charlotte (10/24)
Mavericks @ home (10/26)
Hawks @ Atlanta (10/28)
Pacers @ home (10/30)
Remember, Richards started this game. After a slightly shaky start, he had a heck of a game. He worked very well with Giannis.
Love that we have a legit option to support bigs minutes when other frontcourt players get a day off.
Seems like we haven’t had depth there in forever.
3rd best defender id say is wigg 4th dav 5th gardner 6th hit me in the face pelle.portis not sure so far i dont think hes a dunc ty liability like hes been made out to be
Thanks RC, for posting this. For me, it’s been my first chance to see all of our new players. I know it’s only hi-lites, but everyone had their moments.
Giannis is a monster.
Otherwise, good game offensively from pretty much everybody. Defensively, not that much. Pelle and Bam were missed.
A few observations:
I know Brooklyn isn’t the best team… But damn. Looked like Varsity versus the Freshman team at times. Giannis was killing it. Beasting. No Bam? Shit.. That’s scary. I like the flow from our team and how we quick deliver offense. The Miami Heat is very good this year. I can just tell from the reserves playing in the game. Conwell was lighting it up. Everyone pretty much had a good game via the eye test. Yeah, there were some bricks but it’s NBA basketball. Let’s get this season started. I need to see it when it counts.
Agree.
joker greek take your pick 2 best players in nba.to be champs do we have enough.i look at that bc think needs an upgrade to get jewelry.take a look at the best teams bc and ours.greek just might be able to cover it up hes that good.this nba pre season way too long.lets go already