Giannis Antetokounmpo opened the 2026 NBA preseason with a clear message for Miami Heat fans, vowing to bring an NBA title to South Beach. In the Heat’s 129-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Quebec City, Antetokounmpo demonstrated the kind of playmaking and efficiency that Miami hopes will reverse its recent playoff struggles.
Miami, which missed the postseason for the first time in seven years last season, has retooled aggressively this offseason. The arrival of Antetokounmpo, along with veterans Bobby Portis, Klay Thompson, and Tim Hardaway Jr., marks a significant roster overhaul. After three consecutive seasons without a playoff series win, the Heat’s management clearly intends to compete at a higher level in the Eastern Conference.
Antetokounmpo’s debut delivered flashes of the impact Miami expects. The forward scored five points on perfect shooting from the field and added four assists within his first seven minutes on court. Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised the new addition’s vision and passing ability, saying, “He makes great plays. We knew that about him. We faced him in the playoffs three times. But when you really see it in practice every day this week, you appreciate how brilliant a playmaker he can be.” Spoelstra added that Pat Riley, who was present at practice, noted how Antetokounmpo’s style reminded him of a great big point guard from the 1980s.
The Heat’s starting lineup featured Antetokounmpo alongside Bam Adebayo, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell. Miami jumped to an early lead and maintained control throughout, opening a 21-point margin by halftime. Wiggins impressed with four three-pointers on six attempts, while Antetokounmpo finished the half with nine points and seven assists.
Miami’s bench shone even brighter, outscoring the Raptors’ second unit 95-57. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson combined for 27 points on perfect shooting, and Nikola Jović also contributed significantly. Spoelstra seems to have a clear hierarchy for his rotation, with Simone Fontecchio, Jović, Larsson, Hardaway, and Portis expected to form the primary second unit.
Larsson, who earned a four-year, $60 million contract this summer, appears poised to be Mitchell’s main backup. He carried a usage rate of 24 percent during the game, showing the confidence the organization has in his development.
Despite the promising offensive display, Miami faces questions about its three-point shooting. The Heat finished last season ranked 15th in both made threes and attempts per game, with a middling 36.1 percent success rate. The offseason departures of Norman Powell and Tyler Herro, both reliable shooters, leave a gap. Kasparas Jakučionis, who shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc last year, also left the team.
The additions of Thompson and Hardaway bring veteran shooting, but both are past their peak years. Thompson, coming off his worst season, still averaged three made threes at 38 percent last year, while Hardaway shot 40 percent from deep on seven attempts per game.
Against Toronto, Miami shot 49 percent overall and 35 percent from three, with Hardaway and Wiggins combining for half the team’s 14 made triples. Spoelstra will likely focus on maintaining spacing around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, who excel near the basket but can struggle if the floor is crowded.
The Raptors, meanwhile, had a quieter offseason, highlighted mainly by the trade for Kawhi Leonard. Toronto aims to build on its first playoff appearance in four years after finishing sixth in the East last season. Coach Darko Rajakovic faces the task of integrating Leonard and managing his minutes, as well as settling the frontcourt rotation behind Collin Murray-Boyles.
Toronto fielded a full 21-man training camp roster but remains near the salary cap’s first apron, limiting roster flexibility. Miami’s camp also has 21 players, with some spots still open as they remain $2.5 million under the hard cap.
The preseason opener gave a solid indication of Miami’s direction. Antetokounmpo’s promise of a title adds pressure but also focus. The interplay between new and returning players, particularly on offense, will shape the Heat’s ability to contend this season. Spoelstra’s challenge is to balance the roster’s strengths and weaknesses as the regular season approaches.
According to Yahoo Sports.
