Giannis Makes Strong Heat Debut as Miami Rolls Past Raptors in Preseason Opener.
Giannis Antetokounmpo gave Miami an encouraging first look at its revamped roster Saturday night, helping the Heat defeat the Toronto Raptors 129-105 in their preseason opener at Videotron Centre in Quebec City. Antetokounmpo played just over 14 minutes in his first game with Miami, finishing with nine points, four rebounds and seven assists. He made all three of his field-goal attempts and went 3 of 4 from the free-throw line before sitting out the second half. The two-time NBA MVP made an immediate impact as both a scorer and facilitator. Toronto sent additional defenders toward Antetokounmpo when he attacked the paint, opening opportunities for Miami’s shooters. Each of his seven assists led to a Heat three-pointer. The exhibition also marked Antetokounmpo’s first NBA game action since March 15. He missed the final month of last season with a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise before Milwaukee traded him to Miami during the offseason. Miami opened with Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, offering an early look at a potential opening-night starting lineup. The group outscored Toronto 34-29 during its 12:13 together before Miami rested its starters in the second half.
Wiggins led the starting group with 12 points and connected on four of six three-point attempts. Adebayo added 10 points and six rebounds, while Mitchell recorded three points, four assists, one rebound and one steal. Thompson did not score in his 12:47 on the floor.
Miami’s outside shooting was one of the biggest positives of the night. The Heat scored 76 first-half points while making 11 of 23 attempts from three-point range with their primary rotation players on the court. The bench also provided several productive performances. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 14 points without missing a shot, going 4 of 4 from the field, 3 of 3 from three-point range and 3 of 3 at the free-throw line.
Pelle Larsson added 13 points, two rebounds and two assists in 11:13. Nikola Jovic finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 17:24. Miami used all 19 available players in the preseason opener. Keshad Johnson remained out with a right hamstring strain, while Dru Smith was unavailable because of a right calf strain. Despite the comfortable victory, Miami still has areas to address as it prepares for the regular season. The Heat committed 25 turnovers, an issue the team will look to correct as the new group develops chemistry.
The Heat now returns home for its annual Red, White and Pink Game intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday at Kaseya Center. Miami will then host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Miami’s final two preseason games are scheduled for Oct. 14 against the Brooklyn Nets and Oct. 16 against the Orlando Magic. The Heat will open the regular season Oct. 21 at home against Minnesota.
