Antetokounmpo's seven assists highlight Heat preseason debut

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded nine points, seven assists and four rebounds in 14 minutes in his Miami Heat preseason debut, helping the team beat the Toronto Raptors. All seven assists led to three-pointers, offering an early example of the passing that could shape his partnership with center Bam Adebayo. The performance came in Miami’s exhibition game in Quebec City on October 3. Coach Erik Spoelstra said Antetokounmpo’s playmaking stood out in practice and during the game, praising his size, vision and ability to deliver the ball to shooters. Spoelstra likened the presence of a large, ball-handling playmaker to a great big point guard he had seen in the 1980s. Antetokounmpo’s passing was a focus alongside his scoring and rebounding. His seven assists in 14 minutes created open three-point opportunities, including for teammates who benefited from the attention he drew from defenders. Heat guard Pelle Larsson said Antetokounmpo made it easy to play alongside him by driving and finding open shooters. Adebayo expects the new teammate to change his opportunities at both ends of the court.