Game 1: HEAT @ CELTICS

Last night was the first game of what is arguably the most anticipated NBA season of all time, and what a way to start it off. The eastern conference champions, Boston Celtics defended their home court against the new power trio of the Miami Heat.

No one really expected Miami to come out at maximum potential in their first game together. Many issues are not yet resolved, but after watching the game, I have no doubt that the Heat will be a ferocious contender by January at the latest. Last night, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James alone combined for 14 turnovers. Clearly, the team's offense was totally out of sync. There was hardly any ball movement when they had possession. No one was able to knock down open jump shots, and most players just planted their feet and watched LeBron and D-Wade try to work their way into the paint. Miami really just looked like they'd never seen what an easy shot looks like. In fact, the Miami Heat had the worst first half they have had in years. They went into half-time with a measly 30 points.

In the 3rd quarter it was King James to the rescue. The Celtics started the second half up 45-30, but after LeBron went on a rampage, the lead was cut down to only 6 points. In the second half, LeBron managed to make this new Miami Heat super-team look like the Cleveland Cavaliers of old. Taking over the game, James was clearly the best player on the court. He scored 31 points in the game with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Once this team really gets going, it is not hard to imagine LeBron averaging a triple-double for the season, which would undoubtedly mean a third consecutive MVP award for the King.

There has been some talk of LeBron taking over as the Miami Heat point guard. I would love it. He says he sees himself playing the game like Magic Johnson, and there is no better way than to fill the PG position with another extremely athletic big man. With Pat Riley managing and LeBron at the point, the Heat are really starting to resemble the Showtime Lakers.

Although, Miami did not look great throughout the game, the Boston Celtics were outstanding. Paul Pierce was his usual self, scoring 19 points with 9 rebounds. My man Ray Allen hit 5 three-pointers and scored 20 points in total, and Rajon Rondo had an amazing performance, making 17 assists! In my opinion, the young point guard was easily the player of the game, and he only managed to score 4 points! There's a bright, bright future for Rondo in this league, and the Celtics looked every bit deserving of the Eastern Conference championship title as they ended up winning the game 88-80.

This season's opening match up was truly electrifying. It had all the intensity of a playoff game, and if you missed it, that makes me sad. Don't fret, however, because I'm sure these two teams will meet quite a few times this year. I foresee and officially predict they will see each other in the Eastern Conference Finals this May. Last night was heated enough, but when they meet again in the playoffs, the competition will be incendiary.

wb