The Miami Heat came to the American Airlines Center to meet the Dallas Mavericks in a 2011 NBA Finals rematch to open the 2011-12 NBA season. And the stormed out to a 32-17 lead after the first quarter, serving notice that they were not interested in repeating last year's loss.
Heat Vs. Mavericks, NBA Christmas Day 2011: Miami Rolls To 32-17 Lead After First Quarter
LeBron James burst from the gate fastest for the Heat, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds in the first quarter. But he had some help from rookie point guard Norris Cole, who had five points and a steal in the quarter.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, got very little from Dirk Nowitzki in the first quarter: the Dallas sniper had just six points in the first quarter, and made only one shot. He got very little help, too, with players who contributed in the Mavs' title run, like Shawn Marion, struggling in the first 12 minutes of their title defense.
For more on the Heat head to Peninsula Is Mightier; for more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball.
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