After a five-month break, the heat is on once again.
All eyes turned to FTX Arena Tuesday as Miami’s ballers squared up against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first preseason game for both teams.
Miami returned to home court after enduring a game 7 Eastern Conference Finals loss to Boston Celtics in a 100-96 thriller. The preseason brings sharp memories of elimination, but many fans hope for redemption in 2023.
“This is a team that’s going to grow together and be a powerhouse for 10 years to come,” said Heat fan Sam Pinches. “I’m excited to see how they perform today against the re-amped Minnesota Timberwolves.”
The game gave coach Erik Spoelstra the chance to test which lineups work best. Many wonder how Guard Tyler Herro’s role will change after signing a four-year $130 million extension with the franchise just three days ago.
Minnesota is not without its trials going into the new season. Having acquired center Rudy Gobert in a trade with the Utah Jazz, the Timberwolves look to fluently add him into the lineup alongside Karl Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
Neither the Heat’s Jimmy Butler nor Towns and Edwards played last night but all are expected to take the court soon. The Wolves beat the Heat 121-111.
The Heat will travel to Brooklyn next to play the Nets on Oct. 6.
