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The Heat claimed a decisive 146 to 114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their initial basketball game since guard Terry Rozier was detained over alleged illegal gambling.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Billups was also arrested as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the claims.

But, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded eighty-six first-half scores to lead the Grizzlies by thirty-nine after two quarters, the biggest half-time advantage in the team's 37-year history.

Adebayo top-scored with 24 points and later stated Terry had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Full support," Bam said. "You support him through and through. He's like family at the end of the day."

Heat coach Spoelstra added: "Terry is somebody who is important to everyone. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and support for him as he goes through this."

Portland also won their initial match since the arrests, with Brazil-born Tiago Splitter taking over as temporary head coach in Billups' absence and leading the squad to a convincing 139-119 win over the Warriors.

"Everyone experienced positive times with Billups and how he coached," Tiago said. "Our thoughts are with him and his family but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Disturbed' by Arrests

Speaking about the detentions for the initial occasion, league head Adam Silver said he was "very upset" by the incidents of the past few days.

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

The commissioner also mentioned an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a match he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the authorities and the betting companies," he continued.

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

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

"So, we've been working with them from that point. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an indictment.

"And 30 months after, he still hasn't been convicted of any offense, in fairness to Rozier.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, 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, Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic recorded over forty points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following racking up forty-three points in a first defeat to the Golden State, the Slovenian put up forty-nine scores - along with 11 rebounds and 8 passes - as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 scores, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Bucks' 122-116 victory at the Raptors.

Rockets were defeated 115 to 111 by the Pistons even with thirty-seven scores from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had twenty-nine points, eleven rebounds and nine rejections in the Spurs' extra-time victory over the New Orleans.