Giannis Antetokounmpo made a strong debut for the Miami Heat. In Quebec City, the Heat beat the Toronto Raptors convincingly 129–105.
In front of a crowd of just over 18,500, Giannis Antetokounmpo played only in the first half, yet the Greek still managed nine points (3/3 FG), four rebounds and seven assists in 14 minutes on the court. Andrew Wiggins (12 points) sank four three-pointers, whilst Tim Hardaway Jr. (14, 3/3 from three-point range), coming off the bench, was also on target.
Apart from Giannis, the majority of the rotation also featured only in the first 24 minutes; only Nikola Jovic (11) saw further action in the third quarter. Otherwise, it was mainly the fringe players and training camp participants who were given the chance to prove themselves, extending the half-time lead of 21 points (76–55) slightly further.
Toronto, by contrast, fielded just twelve players; among those missing were Kawhi Leonard and rookie Allan Graves. Ja’Kobe Walter stepped into the designated starting five in place of Leonard; the top scorers were R.J. Barrett and Tyreke Key, each with 15 points. Jakob Pöltl contributed nine points, one rebound and one block in just under 18 minutes.
GIANNIS SCORING AND ASSISTING AT WILL 💪
The Heat’s attack is looking formidable with Antetokounmpo. https://t.co/nmsDAMaXZ5
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) 4 October 2026
Raptors coach criticises discipline
After the match, coach Darko Rajakovic said it was obvious that many in the team still lacked experience, but he also saw positives. “We forced 25 turnovers; we did well there. At the same time, however, we lacked the discipline to switch back in time.”
The Raptors now return to Toronto for pre-season training before travelling to the West Coast this coming weekend to face the L.A. Clippers in Vancouver. Miami will host the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Thursday night.
