The Miami Heat are looking to be the first team to "three-peat" since the Los Angeles Lakers accomplished that feat in 2002. Sunday afternoon they started their journey on a positive note by taking care of business at home against the Charlotte Bobcats 99-88 to take a 1-0 series lead.
LeBron James and Dwayne Wade led the attack for the defending champions combining for 50 points between each other. Lebron finshed with 27 points and nine boards, while D-Wade chipped in 23 points and five assists. Miami was able to grab this win ultimately because their defense gave the young Bobcats fits all game. Miami forced 13 turnovers out of the Bobcats which is a lot when you are a offensively challenged squad.
Charlotte shot a nice percentage from the field at 45.6% for the game, but the problem was that they really did not get the opportunity to exploit their advantage in the paint with Al Jefferson. Though Jefferson finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, it was obvious that they could have done more damage if he did not injure his foot late in the first quarter. It turned out that Jefferson reaggravated a left plantar fascia strain, and the pain limited his ability to dominate inside. Kemba Walker played well in his playoff debut with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists. But Kemba turned the rock over six times trying to force things that were not there for his team.
Going into Game 2 on Wednesday, Charlotte is going to have to hope that they are able to get Al Jefferson back in good condition so they can exploit there interior strength.They also are going to have to get more playing time for Gary Neal who came off the bench with 17 points in this game. Neal brings some much needed playoff experience to the table for Steve Clifford's squad, and will not be afraid of the big stage in the least.
Miami will more than likely turn up the defensive intensity on the young Bobcats for Game 2. The Heat being the playoff veterans that they are know that if they can leave South Beach up 2-0, the series is all but their's when they leave Miami for a couple of games in Charlotte. Miami would tell you they are taking it one game at a time, but in reality they are thinking sweep. The sooner they dispatch the Bobcats, the sooner they can rest for the next round.