The game opened up with both teams playing their usual airtight defense to open the game. Other than Lebron James knocking down a couple of stepbacks to beat the shot clock, the Heat struggled to get into their offense. On the other end, the Celtics struggled to hold onto the ball as they turned it over six times in the first six minutes. The Heat were able to build a six point lead at the end of the first quarter 23-17, James leading the way with nine in the first quarter. The Celtics shot just 7 for 19 in the first quarter with eight turnovers. The Heat bench provided a spark in the second quarter to grow the Heat lead to thirteen behind rookie point guard Norris Cole. With Rajon Rondo on the bench , Cole harrassed the Celtic guards and created transition opportunities. James Jones, resigned in the offseason, made two quick three pointers in transition and Dexter Pittman provided a surprise inside presence as the Heat lead grew to as many as 17. Doc Rivers reinserted his starting unit and Erik Spolestra did the same. At the half , the Heat led 49-35. James led all scorers with 19 at the break. The Celtics were led by Jeff Green with 10.
The Celtics were able to cut the lead down to five at the end of the third behind the veteran Ray Allen. After a scoreless first half, Allen scored 14 in the third quarter on 5 of 6 from the field (4 for 4 from the 3 pt line). The Celtics also tightened up their transition defense and defensive rebounding. The Celtics outscored the Heat 30-21 in the third, shooting 11 for 18 from the field in the quarter while Heat made just 8 for 22 in the period. At the end of three , Heat lead 70-65 with James leading the way with 24.
The fourth quarter began in unusual style as both teams chose so sit all of their starters to begin the period. While coaches usually managed their starters minutes early in a season, all ten starters sitting in a rivalry game was definitely rare. The Heat benched continued to play well was Jones dropped another seven points to start the period while Pittman and Cole continued to do the dirty work as the Heat were able to extend the lead to ten at 81-71 with seven minutes to play. Rivers responded by subbing in all his starters at the same time, which was countered by Spolestra making the corresponding line change eliciting a smile from both coaches towards the other. The Celtics closed the gap to three with a 12-5 to make it 86-83 Heat lead with three and half minutes left to play. With the game in the balance, Lebron James reprises his role from Game 5 last year. He converted a three point play, followed by a steal which led to a Chris Bosh layup, and then James drove the lane for a two hand dunk over Jermaine Oneal which sent the Heat crowd into a frenzy as the Heat extended the lead back to ten at 93-83. The Celtics would get no closer as the Heat finished the game off at the free throw line winning 99-89 making an early season statement that they still had the C's number
King and His Court
Lebron James continued his great play over the Celtics, scoring 35 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing 6 assists.
Three The Hard Way
Boston's trio had a tough night. Ray Allen led the Celtics with a team high 22 points, but shot just 8 for 21 from the floor. Kevin Garnett, in foul trouble, scored just 8 points, grabbing 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. Paul Pierce suffered through a 5 for 19 night , scoring 14 points.
Other Scores
Charlotte 90, Cleveland 92
Phoenix 119, Toronto 99
Indiana 88, Atlanta 91
Houston 69, New Orleans 82
Milwaukee 77, Minnesota 101
New Jersey 102, Oklahoma City 98
Dallas 95, Memphis 90
LA Clippers 101, San Antonio 95
Chicago 88, Portland 83
Washington 90, Sacramento 99
New York 96, Denver 107 (C. Anthony 23 pts in return to Denver)
Philadelphia 108, Golden State 101
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