🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat earned a crushing 146-114 victory over the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game after guard Rozier was detained over suspected unlawful gambling.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested as part of a extensive federal investigation into sports betting. The two individuals contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up 86 opening half scores to lead Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year existence.

Adebayo led the way with 24 points and later stated Rozier had the team's full backing.

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

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland also won their initial match after the detentions, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and guiding the squad to a decisive 139-119 win against the Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Billups and his coaching style," Splitter said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Upset' by Recent Events

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

"Nothing is more critical to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver also said an NBA investigation into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"We were informed by the regulators and the betting companies," he added.

"We investigated that situation and were open regarding it. Although there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, couldn't find anything.

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

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

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

"Clearly, it doesn't look good, but he's been suspended, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Lakers player Doncic recorded over forty scores for the consecutive match in a row to start the season.

Following scoring 43 points in a season-opening loss to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up 49 points - to go with 11 rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece player Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 31 points, twenty boards and 7 assists in the Bucks' 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win over the New Orleans.