Antetokounmpo Calls for Better Effort After Heat's Season-Opening Blowout Loss

Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged that his own performance and the team's overall effort need improvement after the Miami Heat suffered a significant 131-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener. The forward, who was traded to the Heat in a blockbuster offseason deal, scored 35 points and grabbed six rebounds but received limited support.

"We got to trust each other. When things don’t go our way, we got to dig in. We didn’t do that tonight," Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game. "Our effort has to be better. It starts with me. My effort has to be better. I set the tone."

The Timberwolves, also debuting a revamped roster that includes LaMelo Ball, capitalized on the Heat's defensive struggles. Minnesota shot 42 percent from three-point range on 50 attempts. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves' offensive charge with 45 points, including 9 of 17 from deep, while Ball contributed 21 points.

Antetokounmpo highlighted the impact of the Timberwolves' strong shooting, particularly from Edwards. "They have two players that can make shots that make your spirit get defeated. You got to keep playing through that," he said. "When [Edwards] made shots, we got discouraged, and the game got easier for them. When guys get going, we have to be more physical with them."

The Heat's offseason moves, which sent Tyler Herro and other players to the Bucks, have reshaped the team around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. However, the early struggles have drawn criticism. Former player Jeff Teague expressed skepticism about the new-look Heat, stating, "I’m done with the Heat. I didn’t know they were gonna be playing Milwaukee basketball still. I didn’t know they’d take the Milwaukee Bucks and put them in Miami. (Giannis) still doing the same s–t. I’m good."

Despite the lopsided loss, Antetokounmpo expressed confidence in the team's potential if they can address their issues. The Timberwolves, considered a Western Conference contender, exposed flaws in the Heat's cohesion and depth during the opening night contest.