🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat secured a overwhelming 146-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first basketball game since guard Rozier was detained over alleged illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Billups was additionally arrested as part of a broad federal investigation into illegal gambling. The two individuals deny the claims.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they scored 86 opening half points to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the franchise's 37-year existence.

Bam Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and afterwards stated Terry had the support of the team.

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

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

"We send our thoughts and support for him as he goes through this."

The Trail Blazers also won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as interim coach in Billups' non-attendance and guiding the team to a convincing 139-119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

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

NBA Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Arrests

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

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and supporters 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 March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets versus the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

"We investigated that situation and were open about it. And while there was the unusual wagering, we, honestly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has legal authority... [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 recently was an charge.

"And two and a half years after, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Rozier.

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

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic recorded over forty scores for the consecutive match in a row to begin the campaign.

Following scoring forty-three scores in a season-opening loss to the Warriors, the Slovenian put up 49 scores - along with eleven rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128-110.

Greek player Antetokounmpo also had a big night with thirty-one points, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115-111 by the Pistons despite thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 scores, eleven rebounds and 9 blocks in the Spurs' extra-time victory over the Pelicans.