Heat vs Celtics: LeBron Scores 31 but Boston Spoils Season Opener

Filed under: Celtics, HeatBOSTON -- It appears the Heat dynasty will need to wait to get started. With sluggish play in the first half which led to being in too big a hole to dig out of, the much-hyped Heat faltered in Game 1 of the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh era, 88-80 to the Boston Celtics.

Ray Allen led the Celtics with 20 points and Rajon Rondo dished 17 assists. James led all scorers with 31 points. Wade added 13 points and Bosh chipped in just 8.

FIRST QUARTER: Celtics 16, Heat 9

Neither team seemed to be in sync, but the Celtics looked marginally better. No one imagined, however, that the teams would combine for 25 points. Defense is an emphasis for both teams, but neither team could hit a shot. Doc Rivers mentioned the chemistry may be an issue for both teams. And it was.

The Celtics looked as if they've been playing together for some time, while the Heat looked as if they picked up each other in a rec league game and said, "OK, we've got the Celtics tonight."

Charles Woodson Shaq Derek Jeter Kyle Busch Dario Franchitti