NBA: Anthony Edwards spoils Giannis Antetokounmpo's Heat debut

On the second day of the NBA regular season, featuring an 11-game slate, a potential MVP made an emphatic statement. In Miami, where Giannis Antetokounmpo made his Heat debut, Anthony Edwards stole the spotlight, dropping 45 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 131-106 rout.

Giannis was solid in his debut, putting up an efficient 35 points (13-of-19 from the field, 9-of-14 from the free-throw line), but the Timberwolves won every single quarter on their way to a comfortable victory.

Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as only the third player in NBA history to score 40-plus points in a season opener. He was ably supported by new backcourt partner LaMelo Ball, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets, who chipped in with 21 points and six assists.

In another blockbuster matchup, the LA Lakers proved that Luka Doncic doesn't need LeBron James, cruising past the Golden State Warriors 127-105.

The Slovenian superstar racked up 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, dominating the first half to enter the break with 23 points, punctuated by a half-court buzzer-beater:

After the break, the spotlight shifted to new Lakers center Walker Kessler. Acquired from the Utah Jazz, Kessler poured in 26 points on a flawless 12-of-12 shooting from the floor (2-of-4 from the line). For the Warriors, Steph Curry's 23 points (2-of-7 from beyond the arc) were not enough to halt the Los Angeles onslaught.

Elsewhere around the league, Tyrese Haliburton made a triumphant return for the Pacers with 23 points and 12 assists following a year-long injury layoff; Ty Jerome posted a career-high 45 points for the Grizzlies; and Anthony Davis dominated with 34 points and 12 rebounds to guide the Wizards to victory.