🔗 Share this article

The Heat secured a crushing 146-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first basketball match since guard Terry Rozier was detained for suspected illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also detained in connection with a extensive FBI probe into illegal gambling. The two individuals contest the claims.

But, the Heat were not distracted as they scored 86 opening half scores to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37-year history.

Bam Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and later stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We support him. Full support," Adebayo stated. "We are with him all the way. He's like family ultimately."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is very dear to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our locker room.

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

Portland additionally secured their first game since the arrests, with Brazilian Tiago Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's non-attendance and leading the squad to a decisive 139-119 win against the Golden State Warriors.

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

League Commissioner Silver 'Disturbed' over Recent Events

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

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the fairness of the game," he told a broadcaster. "Therefore I felt uneasy. It was very upsetting."

Silver further said an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"It was brought to our attention by the regulators and the betting companies," he added.

"We then looked into that situation and were open about 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 do all kinds of things that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they announced yesterday was an indictment.

"And two and a half years later, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in justice to Terry.

"Obviously, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a compromise here between protecting people's rights and investigating."

Other NBA Results

In other games, Lakers star Doncic scored more than 40 points for the consecutive match straight to start the season.

Following racking up 43 points in a season-opening loss to the Golden State, the European star achieved 49 points - to go with 11 rebounds and 8 assists - as the Los Angeles beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with thirty-one points, 20 rebounds and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Pistons despite 37 scores from Durant, while Wembanyama had 29 scores, 11 boards and 9 blocks in the Spurs' overtime win against the Pelicans.