Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks LeBron James’ franchise record in Heat debut

Giannis Antetokounmpo went to Miami to win, so he won’t call his Heat debut a success after losing handily to the Timberwolves at home. From a numbers perspective, though, Antetokounmpo had a stellar night.

The newest Heat star scored 35 points in his Heat debut, showcasing his typical efficiency and adding six rebounds in the 131-106 defeat.

The performance wasn’t enough to lead the Heat to a win, with Minnesota winning the rebounding and turnover battles, but it was enough to set a new franchise record previously held by none other than LeBron James.

Here’s a look at Antetokounmpo’s piece of Heat history.

Antetokounmpo’s 35 points set a new record for most points in a Heat debut, breaking James’ mark of 31 from his much-anticipated Miami debut on Oct. 26, 2010.

While Heat fans have to be happy to see a healthy, efficient Antetokounmpo, the night was also what many Miami fans feared: a stellar offensive showing from the two-time MVP wasn’t nearly enough because the rest of the team just didn’t rise to the occasion.

Antetokounmpo only had one assist, but it’s hard to rack up assists when the Heat are shooting 7-of-29 from 3-point range. Tim Hardaway Jr. was just 1-of-7 from long range, and only Klay Thompson had multiple made 3s. Antetokounmpo’s plus/minus easily led all starters at -11.

Going into a matchup with the Pistons, the Heat will hope the disappointing offensive performance around Antetokounmpo was just an aberration.…Read more by Dan Treacy