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Miami Heat earned a decisive 146-114 victory against the Grizzlies in their first basketball game since guard Terry Rozier was detained over alleged unlawful sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also detained as part of a broad federal investigation into sports betting. The two individuals contest the claims.

However, the Miami team were focused as they put up 86 opening half scores to lead Memphis by 39 after two quarters, the largest halftime lead in the franchise's 37 year history.

Adebayo top-scored with twenty-four points and afterwards said Rozier had the team's full backing.

"We support him. Complete backing," Bam said. "We are with him all the way. That's our brother ultimately."

Miami head coach Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He has made a beneficial influence on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and our care for him as he faces the situation."

Portland additionally won their first game after the detentions, with Brazil-born Splitter stepping in as temporary head coach in Billups' non-attendance and leading the team to a convincing 139-119 victory against the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Billups and how he coached," Tiago remarked. "Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones but our focus is on the game."

League Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' over Recent Events

Speaking about the arrests for the first time, league head Silver said he was "very upset" by the events of the past few days.

"Nothing is more critical to the league and supporters than the integrity of the game," he informed a broadcaster. "And so I felt uneasy. It was disturbing."

Silver further said an NBA investigation into Rozier's actions in spring 2023, when there was "unusual wagering" in a game he participated for the Charlotte Hornets versus the New Orleans Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

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

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

"The federal government has legal authority... [it] can impose penalties, can do all kinds of things that the NBA can't do.

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

"Moreover two and a half years after, he has not been found guilty of any offense, in justice to Terry.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between upholding rights and conducting an inquiry."

Other NBA Results

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

After scoring forty-three scores in a season-opening loss to the Warriors, the Slovenian achieved forty-nine points - along with eleven rebounds and eight assists - as the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

From Greece player Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance with thirty-one points, twenty boards and 7 passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122 to 116 victory over the Raptors.

Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons even with thirty-seven points from Durant, while Victor Wembanyama had 29 points, eleven boards and nine blocks in the Spurs' overtime win against the New Orleans.