LeBron, Wade Lead Heat to Game 1 Win Over Celtics
2012 NBA Playoffs
Miami, FL
Even if they were reduced to "Big Two" due to injury to Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat proved to be too strong for the Boston Celtics' "Big Three".
James scored 32 and grabbed 13 boards and Wade added 22 markers as Miami turned up the heat in the second half to scorch the Celtics, 93-79 Monday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the American Airlines Arena.
The Heat will try to grab a 2-0 edge in Game 2 Wednesday at Miami.
The duo outscored the trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen by 11 points and got significant contributions from Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers, who combined for 19 points. Battier also had 10 rebounds for the Heat.
Garnett led the Celtics with 23 points and 10 rebounds, Pierce added12 on a woeful 5- of-18 shooting while Allen managed just six markers.
Rajon Rondo contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics but his four turnovers in the first period allowed the Heat to dictate the tempo.
James, the reigning MVP, waxed hot early, scoring 13 points in the opening quarter to give the Heat a 21-11 edge
The Celtics came to life in the second period, outscoring the Heat, 35-25 and limiting Wade to just six first-half points to tie the count at 46.
Wade broke loose in the second half, scoring 16 points and his floating jumper gave the Heat an 80-63 lead, with nine minutes left in the game.
Meanwhile, Bosh underwent a light on-court workout as part of his rehabilitation program from a lower abdominal strain.
However, coach Erik Spoelstra said it is still unclear when Bosh will return to the lineup.
"I wouldn't over-read into his workout yesterday," Spoelstra told nba.com."We'll continue to reevaluate him every day. He'll continue to do his rehab. When he starts legitimate basketball work, I'll pay attention a little bit more."
Hear from the Miami Heat after their win over the Celtics:
Heat torch Celtics in Game 1
Hear from Doc Rivers after the Celtics' loss to the Heat:
Boston falls to Miami in Game 1
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