🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat secured a decisive 146 to 114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA match after guard Terry Rozier was arrested for suspected illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also detained as part of a extensive federal investigation into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the claims.

But, the Heat were focused as they recorded 86 opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the team's 37-year history.

Adebayo led the way with twenty-four points and later said Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Bam stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family at the end of the day."

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Rozier is a person who is very dear to all of us. He has made a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland also secured their first game after the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the team to a decisive 139 to 119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"Everyone experienced great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached," Splitter said. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but we have a job to do."

League Commissioner Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

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

"There's nothing more important to the NBA and supporters than the fairness of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was disturbing."

Silver also said an NBA investigation into the player's actions in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he participated for the Charlotte Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

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

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can take various actions that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. Naturally, what they announced yesterday was an indictment.

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

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance here between upholding rights and investigating."

Other League Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the second game straight to start the season.

After scoring 43 points in a season-opening loss to the Golden State, the European star put up forty-nine scores - to go with 11 boards and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with 31 scores, twenty rebounds and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 victory over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with 37 points from Kevin Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, 11 boards and nine blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.