🔗 Share this article

The Heat secured a crushing 146 to 114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first NBA match since player Rozier was arrested over alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Billups was also detained in connection with a extensive FBI investigation into sports betting. Both men deny the allegations.

But, the Miami team were focused as they recorded 86 opening half points to be ahead of Memphis by 39 at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the franchise's 37-year existence.

Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four points and later stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother at the end of the day."

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Terry is a person who is very dear to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

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

The Trail Blazers also secured their first game since the detentions, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the squad to a convincing 139-119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Chauncey and his coaching style," Tiago said. "We're thinking of him and his family but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the incidents of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the fairness of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "Therefore I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

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

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

"We investigated the matter and were very transparent regarding it. And while there was that aberrational betting, we, honestly, couldn't find anything.

"The federal government has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the NBA can't do.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating since then. Naturally, what they revealed yesterday was an indictment.

"Moreover 30 months later, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Terry.

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

Additional NBA Outcomes

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic scored more than 40 scores for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

After racking up 43 scores in a season-opening defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - to go with eleven boards and eight passes - as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece player Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with 31 points, 20 boards and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win at the Toronto Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115-111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, eleven boards and nine rejections in the San Antonio Spurs' extra-time victory against the Pelicans.