🔗 Share this article

The Heat claimed a decisive 146-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since player Terry Rozier was arrested over alleged unlawful gambling.

Trail Blazers head coach Billups was additionally arrested in connection with a broad federal probe into illegal gambling. Both men contest the allegations.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they put up eighty-six opening half points to be ahead of the Grizzlies by 39 after two quarters, the biggest halftime lead in the team's 37 year history.

Adebayo led the way with 24 points and afterwards stated Rozier had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Adebayo said. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother ultimately."

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

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

The Trail Blazers additionally won their first game since the detentions, with Brazilian Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Chauncey's absence and leading the squad to a convincing 139 to 119 win over the Warriors.

"We all had positive times with Chauncey and his coaching style," Splitter remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' by Recent Events

Speaking about the detentions for the first time, league head Silver said he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the fairness of the game," he told Amazon Prime. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver further mentioned an NBA investigation into the player's conduct in spring 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he participated for the Hornets versus the Pelicans, discovered no wrongdoing.

"It was brought to our attention by the authorities and the betting companies," he continued.

"We then looked into the matter and were open about it. Although there was the unusual wagering, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can threaten to put people in jail, can do all kinds of things that the league office can't do.

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

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

Other NBA Results

In other games, Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded more than 40 scores for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following scoring 43 scores in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved 49 scores - along with eleven rebounds and 8 assists - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128-110.

From Greece player Antetokounmpo additionally had a big night with thirty-one points, twenty boards and 7 assists in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Raptors.

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