🔗 Share this article

The Heat earned a overwhelming 146-114 win over the Grizzlies in their first NBA game since player Rozier was arrested over alleged unlawful gambling.

Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also arrested as part of a broad FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up eighty-six first-half scores to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the biggest half-time advantage in the franchise's 37-year history.

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

"We support him. Complete backing," Bam stated. "You support him through and through. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is important to everyone. He has made a beneficial influence on our locker room.

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

Portland also won their first game after the detentions, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and guiding the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win over the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Chauncey and how he coached," Tiago remarked. "We're thinking of him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the incidents of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the fairness of the competition," he informed Amazon Prime. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver also mentioned an NBA investigation into Rozier's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he participated for the Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

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

"We then looked into that situation and were open about it. And while there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an charge.

"And 30 months after, he has not been found guilty of any offense, in justice to Rozier.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Additional NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Lakers player Luka Doncic scored more than 40 scores for the consecutive match straight to begin the campaign.

Following scoring 43 points in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - along with 11 boards and 8 passes - as the Los Angeles beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 points, twenty rebounds and seven passes in the Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons despite 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 boards and nine rejections in the Spurs' extra-time victory over the Pelicans.