Heat Can’t Overcome Awful First Half; Miami Thrice Lose First Game Together

Miami’s triumvirate of superstars was unable to overcome the strong team play of Boston in the much anticipated season-opener Tuesday night.

The reason, for one night at least, is simple: balance. The Celtics had it; the Heat, which relied heavily on LeBron James, did not.

We knew the Miami Heat would make a run, and they did. Led by LeBron James, the Heat did come back, and cut the lead to six points entering the fourth quarter. But the Celtics wouldn’t let them get over the hump.

Paul Pierce hit two big three-pointers to widen the gap, and the Celtics held off a late Heat rally to get a 88-80 win in the first game of the Miami Thrice era. The Celtics certainly looked great, and played as good, if not better, than they did in racing to the NBA Finals last year. Pierce starred, Rajon Rondo dominated without scoring, Kevin Garnett did his thing, Shaquille O’Neal made a contribution and the bench changed the game. They deserve a lot of credit.

The Miami Heat are stocked with three of the best players in the NBA in LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Before their game against the Boston Celtics, TNT commentator Kenny Smith predicted they would win 70 games this year. But after one half of basketball in Boston, the Heat look like a college team. The Celtics leads 45-30, dominating the game from start to finish.

The Heat are, quite simply, playing like a team that’s never played together before. Their offense lacks any flow, and they seem to be rushing shots instead of attacking the basket. The Celtics’ swarming defense can do that to you, but a team this talented should be doing better. Instead of playing off each other, Wade, James and Bosh seem to be taking turns. Clearly, they need more time working together.

(Sports Network) - Boston Three Party meet Miami Thrice.

“I think the NBA did an unbelievable job of picking a great first game,” Wade said.