Giannis Antetokounmpo says Heat need to trust each other more - ESPN

MIAMI — Following an opening night 131-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Giannis Antetokounmpo preached trust as the primary area that needs improvement for his new-look Miami Heat.

«We got to trust each other. When things don't go our way, we got to dig in. We didn't do that tonight» Antetokounmpo said. «Our effort has to be better. It starts with me. My effort has to be better. I set the tone.»

The lack of trust and waning effort was on display Wednesday night after the Timberwolves' new duo of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball got hot shooting from 3-point range.

Edwards finished with 45 points on 9-of-17 shooting from 3, while Ball had 21 on 5-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. Minnesota hit 21 3s as a team, many of them from very deep.

«They have two players that can make shots that make your spirit get defeated. You got to keep playing through that,» Antetokounmpo said, referring to Edwards and Ball. «When [Edwards] made shots, we got discouraged and the game got easier for them. When guys get going, we have to be more physical with them.»

Antetokounmpo had 35 points in a strong individual offensive performance in his Miami debut, showing aggression in getting to the free throw line 14 times. But he wasn't satisfied with his performance.

The word «trust» was mentioned at least five times by Antetokounmpo in his postgame locker room session with reporters. The Heat starting group had only two preseason games together due to fellow star Bam Adebayo being limited by a minor groin injury.

One worrisome theme to watch going forward is the Heat's lack of shotmaking from supporting teammates. They shot just 24% from 3-point range. The smaller, athletic Timberwolves outrebounded the Heat 52-34, including a humbling