🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat earned a crushing 146 to 114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their first NBA match since guard Terry Rozier was detained over alleged illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was additionally detained as part of a extensive federal probe into sports betting. The two individuals contest the claims.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they put up eighty-six opening half scores to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37-year existence.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and afterwards said Terry had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Bam said. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is important to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and our care for him as he goes through this."

The Trail Blazers additionally won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as interim coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and guiding the team to a convincing 139 to 119 win against the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Chauncey and his coaching style," Tiago said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' by Arrests

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated he was "very upset" by the incidents of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the fairness of the game," he told a broadcaster. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver further said an NBA investigation into the player's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he participated for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"We were informed by the authorities and the gambling firms," he added.

"We then looked into the matter and were open about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA is unable to.

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they revealed yesterday was an charge.

"Moreover two and a half years later, he has not been found guilty of anything, in fairness to Terry.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been suspended, and so it is a compromise in this case between upholding rights and investigating."

Additional NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Lakers star Luka Doncic scored more than 40 points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

After scoring forty-three points in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star put up forty-nine scores - to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one scores, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven boards and 9 blocks in the Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.