Giannis Makes Debut as Heat Rout Raptors (129-105) in First NBA Game in Quebec

The Giannis era has begun in Miami, even if it's just preseason. The Heat defeated the Toronto Raptors (129-105) at Centre Vidéotron in Quebec, in the first NBA game played in that city, with Giannis Antetokounmpo's debut stealing the show. He needed just 14 minutes to demonstrate how Erik Spoelstra's offense will function.

A dominant first half

Spoelstra started with the expected lineup: Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis, and Bam Adebayo. The Heat's opening points set the tone for the night: Giannis attacked the paint, drew the help defense, and kicked the ball out for a three-pointer from Wiggins.

That play repeated over and over. Every time the Raptors defended him one-on-one, Giannis attacked the rim; when they sent two defenders, he found the open shooter. His seven first-half assists resulted in seven three-pointers, 21 points total. His first points came on a layup and free throw, and he finished 3 of 3 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line.

With their typical high pace, the Heat distributed 19 assists in the first half and went into halftime up 20 points. Spoelstra didn't need more: the starters, including Giannis, didn't return to the court.

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Second unit maintains the lead

With 19 players on the court throughout the game, Spoelstra used the second half to test combinations. The lead never wavered. The standout off the bench was Pelle Larsson, with 13 points in 11 minutes, thanks to his aggressiveness toward the rim: he drew seven free throws and made all of them. Wiggins added 12 points and Adebayo, 10.

For the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard did not play. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley participated in the first half, and Barnes and Quickley did not return after halftime.

What the debut showed

It's preseason and the numbers matter little, but the game confirms the idea behind Miami's offseason construction: surround Giannis with shooters. Klay Thompson, Wiggins, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis are there to punish the help defense that Giannis draws. And most importantly, Giannis looked healthy and comfortable, the big question mark after a season in which he played only 36 games.

The Heat will play five preseason games before their official debut on October 21 against the Timberwolves.