The Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Miami could not have gotten off to a much better start.
The Miami Heat defeated the Toronto Raptors 129–105 in their preseason opener, offering the first glimpse of what Erik Spoelstra’s new-look offense could become with Antetokounmpo at the center of it. The final score ultimately means very little in the preseason, but the way Miami played when its main rotation was on the floor certainly provided plenty of reasons for optimism.
Miami exploded for 41 points in the first quarter and took a 76–55 lead into halftime. The Heat shot 11-of-23 from three in the opening half, recorded 19 assists on 22 made field goals and went 21-of-24 from the free-throw line.
Antetokounmpo only needed 14 minutes to make his presence felt, finishing with nine points, seven assists and four rebounds while shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from the field. Like the rest of Miami's primary starters, his night ended at halftime.
Here are three takeaways from the first look at the new-look Heat.
1. GIANNIS LOOKS LIKE A NATURAL FIT IN SPOELSTRA’S OFFENSE
The biggest question entering the season wasn't whether Antetokounmpo could dominate in Miami. We already know what he is capable of doing individually. The question was how quickly Spoelstra could build an offense around his unique skill set.
If the first half against Toronto was any indication, the answer may be quicker than expected.
Miami’s offense consistently created space for Antetokounmpo to attack while surrounding him with shooters who could punish the defense when it collapsed. Giannis didn't need to dominate the ball or take 15 shots to control the game. Instead, his gravity opened opportunities everywhere else on the floor.
His seven assists in just over 14 minutes may have been the most encouraging number of the night.
The Heat scored 41 points in the opening quarter while shooting 52 percent from the field and 53 percent from three. They hit seven threes in the quarter, grabbed 15 rebounds and went 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Andrew Wiggins was among the players who benefited from the attention Giannis commanded. Miami's combination of pace, spacing, cutting and shooting looked tailor-made for a player who remains one of the NBA's most devastating forces attacking the basket.
There are obviously caveats. Toronto was not playing its complete rotation, and preseason basketball isn't the same as what Miami will encounter in April and May. But the basic concept worked exactly as advertised.
Giannis also made it clear afterward that Miami's expectations extend far beyond a successful preseason debut.
“It’s going to happen. It’s going to take time. We’re preparing for something that will take place in June. I know the people I have next to me have the same mindset. Bam wants to win. Coach wants to win. The organization wants to win. We’ll be at the place we’re supposed to be.”
That's a championship standard being established from Day 1.
2. MIAMI MAY HAVE MORE SHOOTING AND DEPTH THAN EXPECTED
Giannis will receive the headlines, but Miami's supporting cast made the first half particularly impressive.
Tim Hardaway Jr. could not have scripted a better Heat debut. In only 11 minutes, Hardaway scored 14 points while going 4-of-4 from the field, 3-of-3 from three and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Miami was plus-16 during his minutes.
That type of shooting is exactly what the Heat need alongside Antetokounmpo.
Pelle Larsson was equally impressive, scoring 13 points on a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and 7-of-7 at the line. He added two rebounds, two assists and two steals while also finishing plus-16.
The Heat's spacing becomes significantly more dangerous if Spoelstra can consistently surround Giannis and Bam Adebayo with dependable shooters. Defenses are going to have difficult choices to make. Collapse on Antetokounmpo and Miami can kick the ball outside. Stay attached to the shooters and Giannis has room to attack the rim.
The Heat finished the first half with 76 points, and perhaps more importantly, they weren't relying on difficult isolation possessions to get there. The ball moved, the floor remained spaced and Miami consistently generated quality looks.
It was only one preseason half, but this looked like an offense with a clear identity.
3. DON'T READ TOO MUCH INTO THE SECOND HALF
The game changed dramatically once Spoelstra shut down most of Miami's primary rotation.
After scoring 76 points in the first half, Miami managed only 19 in the third quarter as younger players received their first extended opportunities. Second-round pick Ryan Conwell and undrafted guard Tre Donaldson opened the half, while Nikola Jovic was one of the few players from the first-half rotation to continue playing.
Both young guards struggled to find their rhythm offensively, but that shouldn't overshadow what happened earlier.
The second half was less about evaluating Miami's actual rotation and more about getting young players NBA minutes. The dramatic decline in offensive efficiency was almost inevitable after Spoelstra removed the players who will actually be responsible for carrying the Heat this season.
If anything, the contrast reinforced how impressive the first half had been.
Miami's primary group played fast, moved the basketball, generated open threes and attacked the rim. The defense switched aggressively, and while there will be plenty to clean up once the competition becomes more serious, the overall structure was encouraging.
The Heat didn't acquire Antetokounmpo simply to become a better regular-season team. They brought him to Miami because the expectation is to compete for another championship.
One preseason victory doesn't prove Miami is ready to do that.
But a 129–105 victory, a 76-point first half and a nearly flawless debut from Antetokounmpo provided about as encouraging a first look as the Heat could have asked for.
The Giannis era in Miami is officially underway.
And the first impression was a very good one.
