NBA2 hours ago1 minute read

Giannis Scores 71 Points in First Two Games as Heat Start 0-2

Giannis Antetokounmpo has 71 points through two games, but the Miami Heat sit at 0-2 after giving up 259 points.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

High Scoring, Hard Loss

Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a fast start on offense, but the Miami Heat are still looking for their first victory of the season. Antetokounmpo scored 36 points on Friday night. That gives him 71 points over his first two games.

It is the highest two game scoring total to open a season in Heat history, topping the 63 points LeBron James scored to start the 2011-12 season. It also ties the best two game offensive start of Antetokounmpo's career.

Defense Struggles Early

The defensive side of the floor has been a completely different story. Miami sits at 0-2 after allowing 259 points across their first two matchups against Minnesota and Detroit. That total is the most points given up over a two game stretch to start a season in franchise history.

This is the first time in Antetokounmpo's career that he played in the first two games of a season without winning at least one. Milwaukee started 0-2 in 2015-16, but he only played in one of those contests.

Looking Ahead

Despite the early losses, team leaders remain confident. Head coach Erik Spoelstra said the group wants this to work and will get there eventually, even if it is not on their exact timeline right now. Spoelstra noted that tough times bring a squad together.

Antetokounmpo agreed that the team needed a shock. He said that once the group is locked in and trusts each other, both offense and defense will become easier.

What it means for the next game

Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets (NBA, Sat, 24 Oct): Charlotte Hornets win 42%, Miami Heat win 58%; projected score Charlotte Hornets 115, Miami Heat 117. Our safest pick: Hornets +11.5.

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (NBA, Mon, 26 Oct): Miami Heat win 67%, Dallas Mavericks win 33%; projected score Miami Heat 124, Dallas Mavericks 119. Our safest pick: Heat +2.5.