The Miami Heat began a path toward their third consecutive NBA title on Sunday with a 99-88 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats at American Airlines Arena in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Heat have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
It was the second playoff series ever for the Bobcats franchise since they came into the NBA in 2005. The Heat have not played a team from Charlotte in the postseason since 2000-01 when they faced the Hornets, who later moved to New Orleans, and lost in the first round.
LeBron James led the way for the Heat as he fell short of a double-double with 27 points and nine rebounds in 39 minutes. Dwyane Wade pumped in 23 points and Chris Bosh added 13 points. James Jones had a surprising 12 points off the bench while Chris Andersen carried through with eight points and 10 rebounds.
Al Jefferson compiled a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats in 35 minutes. Kemba Walker had a team-high 20 points and six assists while reserve Gary Neal dropped down 17 points.
Charlotte jumped out to a 19-11 margin and had a 23-19 lead after one quarter. Miami had a 20-4 spurt during the second quarter and were up 49-42 at halftime. The Bobcats scored the first ten points in the second half, but they were still behind 72-65 after three quarters. The Heat went on a 21-6 run midway through the fourth quarter and had a comfortable 95-75 lead with 4:31 remaining.
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