Edwards joins Chamberlain and Jordan with another 40-point opener
Anthony Edwards became the third player in NBA history with multiple season openers of at least 40 points, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. He scored 45 in Minnesota's 131-106 victory, following his 41-point opener last season. [3][4] The game also featured team debuts for LaMelo Ball with Minnesota and Giannis Antetokounmpo with Miami. [7]
Why it matters
The historical distinction came with a measurable competitive advantage: Edwards made nine 3-pointers, more than Miami's entire team, which finished with eight. His shooting helped Minnesota win by 25 points. [4]
Key insights
- Edwards combined volume with production: he shot 16 of 29 overall and 9 of 17 from three, adding 10 rebounds and three assists in just over 33 minutes. [4]
- The historical comparison has limits: Edwards now has two 40-point openers, while Chamberlain had four and Jordan had three. [4]
- His scoring was distributed across the game—12, nine, 15 and nine points by quarter—rather than concentrated in one brief stretch. [4]