🔗 Share this article

The Heat earned a overwhelming 146-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since guard Terry Rozier was arrested for alleged illegal sports betting.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also detained in connection with a extensive federal investigation into illegal gambling. Both men contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were not distracted as they put up 86 opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year history.

Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four scores and afterwards stated Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is important to everyone. He has made a real positive impact on our locker room.

"We send our thoughts and support for him as he faces the situation."

Portland additionally won their initial match since the detentions, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and leading the team to a convincing 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' by Arrests

Addressing the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver said he was "very upset" by the events of the recent days.

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and supporters than the fairness of the competition," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver also said an league probe into the player's conduct in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"It was brought to our attention by the authorities and the gambling firms," he added.

"We investigated the matter and were open regarding it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the league office is unable to.

"So, we've been working with them since then. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an charge.

"And two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of anything, in fairness to Terry.

"Clearly, it doesn't look good, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance here between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Results

In other games, Los Angeles Lakers player Doncic scored over forty points for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

Following scoring forty-three points in a season-opening defeat to the Warriors, the European star put up forty-nine scores - along with 11 boards and eight passes - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 scores, 20 boards and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons despite thirty-seven scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, eleven boards and 9 rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory against the Pelicans.