The Minnesota Timberwolves opened the 2026-27 season with a statement victory, traveling to Miami to decimate Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat, 131-106.

With the additions of LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga to the starting lineup, the Timberwolves played much faster, using their speed to overwhelm the Miami guards.

Ball finished with 21 points and six assists on 7-for-17 shooting from the field and 5-for-13 shooting from three.

It was Anthony Edwards who truly put on a show, though, as he poured in 45 points on 16-for-29 shooting and 9-for-17 from three. He also had ten rebounds and three assists.

Edwards finished third in the league in scoring last season, and is already eyeing the scoring title this year.

Edwards has never been one to shy away from talking trash with his fellow competitors, famously going at Kevin Durant during their battle in the 2024 playoffs, which ended in a sweep for the Timberwolves.

On Wednesday, Edwards was seen jawing with Heat reserve Myron Gardner. Edwards was pointing and saying something to Gardner, who was on the Miami bench, as the Timberwolves took a 30-point lead in the fourth quarter.

After the game, Edwards addressed the exchange with Gardner, saying, “A player on they bench was talkin trash... He was talkin pretty crazy. And then when I started talkin to him he didn't really have too much more to say. And I don't really like that. Like, if you gonna talk sh*t, keep talkin sh*t. Don't get quiet.”

Gardner played three minutes in garbage time and scored four points.

Edwards came into this season with high expectations after how he played last season and the addition of Ball, who should open the offense up more for everyone, but especially Edwards.

It’s only one game, but the results were extremely promising as Edwards got a couple of baskets that may have come easier than usual, but also created a number of looks for himself with his handle and pull-up ability.

Edwards has identified his spots on the floor more and more throughout the years, and he’s gotten increasingly comfortable getting to those spots. No matter who Miami threw at Edwards or the coverages they rolled towards him, Edwards found an answer, typically with a release and decision-making that looks quicker this season.

Against players who could not stick with him, Edwards had a field day on Wednesday.