Edwards’ Historic Opener Fuels MVP Buzz in Wolves’ Rout

WHO:

Bleacher Report - Heat reserve Myron Gardner was identified as the likely player who trash-talked Edwards; Edwards said he could not identify the player from his position on the court.

Bleacher Report - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Gardner “means the right thing” but should be “smart” and avoid trash-talking opponents’ top scorers, particularly when he is not playing.

Pro Football Network - Anthony Edwards, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Miami Heat are identified in the season-opener coverage.

Newsweek - Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are identified; the historic feat is described as previously achieved by two NBA legends.

WHAT:

Bleacher Report - Minnesota defeated Miami 131-106; Edwards scored 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting, including 9-of-17 from three, and had 10 rebounds in 33 minutes.

Bleacher Report - Edwards said Gardner’s trash talk in a dead-ball situation “kind of crunk me up.” He added that the player got quiet when Edwards engaged him.

Bleacher Report - Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only NBA players with multiple 40-point season-opening games; he scored 41 in Minnesota’s opener against Portland the prior season.

Bleacher Report - Gardner played three minutes in the game and was in his second season with Miami.

Newsweek - Edwards said a costly trash-talk mistake by a Heat player fueled his explosive performance.

Pro Football Network - Edwards scored 45 points in a historic season opener against the Heat.

Pro Football Network - Edwards’ performance sparked early MVP discussion; the article highlights reactions including “MVP Campaign Has Started” and “Monster Performance.”

Newsweek - Edwards accomplished a historic feat during the Timberwolves’ blowout win over the Heat.

WHERE:

Bleacher Report - Gardner played college basketball at Little Rock and spent two seasons in the G League with the Orlando Magic affiliate in Osceola.

Pro Football Network - The season opener was against the Miami Heat.

Newsweek - The Timberwolves’ blowout win was over the Miami Heat.

WHY:

Newsweek - Edwards attributed his explosive performance to the Heat player’s trash talk.

Pro Football Network - Edwards’ 45-point performance prompted early MVP talk.

HOW:

Bleacher Report - Miami signed Gardner to its Summer League team in 2025 and gave him a standard three-year contract in February.

Pro Football Network - Edwards’ scoring performance was described as historic and as dominating the matchup involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat.

Newsweek - The feat was described as rare: the article says only two NBA legends had achieved it previously.

Anthony Edwards opened the season with a historic 45-point performance as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat 131 to 106. He made 16 of 29 shots, including 9 of 17 from three-point range, and added 10 rebounds in 33 minutes. Edwards said trash talk from a Miami player during a dead-ball situation “kind of crunk me up,” and said the player went quiet when he responded. The likely trash-talker was Heat reserve Myron Gardner, who played just three minutes. Coach Erik Spoelstra said Gardner means well but should be smart about taunting opponents’ leading scorers, especially when he is not playing. With the performance, Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players with multiple 40-point season-opening games. He scored 41 in Minnesota’s opener the previous season. The explosive start also prompted early MVP discussion.