Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh experienced their first win with Miami, with the Heat beating the Philadelphia 76ers 97-87 on Wednesday.
Playing with purpose a night after an 88-80 season-opening loss in Boston, the Heat’s star recruits still did not look comfortable playing with each other, with only Wade — 30 points — looking particularly sharp against the Sixers. James scored 16 points and Bosh had 15.
The Heat hit three straight 3-pointers in the third quarter to extend their eight-point halftime lead, however the Sixers, went on a 15-3 run late in the fourth to make it surprisingly competitive.
CAVALIERS 95, CELTICS 87
In Cleveland, J. J. Hickson scored 21 points and Daniel Gibson added 16 — all in the second half — to overhaul an 11-point deficit in the third quarter and help Cleveland to an unlikely victory over Boston.
Playing their first game in seven years without LeBron James, the Cavaliers stunned the Celtics in their season opener, a win that at least for one night gave local fans reason to believe that there is hope after the departure of the two-time most valuable player.
For the Celtics, Rajon Rondo top-scored with 18 points, while Kevin Garnett recorded 15 rebounds for Boston.
In other games it was:
‧ Nets 101, Pistons 98
‧ Knicks 98, Raptors 93
‧ Mavericks 101, Bobcats 86
‧ Thunder 106, Bulls 95
‧ Hornets 95, Bucks 91
‧ Hawks 119, Grizzlies 104
‧ Spurs 122, Pacers 109
‧ Kings 117, Timberwolves 116
‧ Nuggets 110, Jazz 88
‧ Warriors 131, Rockets 128
‧ Trail Blazers 98, Clippers 88
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