NBA playoffs 2014, Bobcats vs. Heat final score: Miami takes Game 1, 99-88

Miami took its sweet time putting away the Bobcats on Sunday. After losing their lead at the beginning of the second half, the reigning champs dominated Charlotte in the fourth quarter and grabbed a 1-0 series lead, 99-88.

Charlotte was down early, with Al Jefferson's plantar fasciitis flaring up and limiting his mobility. The Bobcats offense looked stagnant, and the Heat took advantage. It was by pure luck that a well-timed Kemba Walker three-pointer at the end of the second quarter had the Bobcats down just seven points at half.

The Bobcats exploded to open the third quarter, going on a 10-0 run and grabbing the lead away from Miami at one point. That woke up two-time MVP LeBron James, who hit a three-pointer at the end of the third period that would signal what was to come in the fourth.

Miami dominated Charlotte in the last quarter of play, putting a stop to any outside shooting from the Bobcats. Despite a strong showing from Josh McRoberts, the Bobcats couldn't stop Miami from doing what it wanted on the offensive end of the floor.

James led all scorers with 27 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding nine rebounds in the win. Dwyane Wade had 23 points with five assists, a rebound and a steal. Chris Andersen dropped eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds off the bench.

Despite his injured foot, Jefferson had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats. Walker poured in 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting, with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. McRoberts had 15 points, including three three-pointers. Gary Neal added 17 points off the bench.