Heat reserve Myron Gardner ignites Anthony Edwards' 45-point night with trash talk
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Myron Gardner played only three minutes in the Miami Heat's season opener but made a significant impact by trash-talking Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, who credited Gardner's words for inspiring his 45-point performance in a 131-106 win.
- Edwards admitted he didn't know Gardner's name but was motivated by the trash talk, which fueled his intense play throughout the game.
- Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged Gardner's competitive spirit but advised him to be smarter about trash talk, especially avoiding targeting the opposing team's best scorers when not on the court.
- Gardner, known as one of the league's premier instigators, has a history of on-court altercations, including a technical foul involving Klay Thompson last season and a $35,000 fine following a physical incident with Scotty Pippen Jr.
- Gardner embraced the nickname "Mayhem" at the Heat's media day, reflecting his reputation for stirring up trouble and energizing his team.
