In one of the NBA"s most anticipated season openers ever, the Boston Celtics jumped out to an big lead and then held off a late rally to down the new-look Miami Heat, 88-80.
The Celtics held the Heat to just nine first-quarter points, and took a 45-30 lead into the half. But in the third and fourth quarters, led by LeBron James, the Heat rallied, and got it as close as 83-80, with 1:10 left to play. But then Ray Allen hit a three to stretch the lead back to six points and Paul Pierce added a pair of free throws to put it away.
Allen led the Celtics with 20 points, while LeBron led all scorers with 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Rajon Rondo had just four points, but added 17 assists.
(Video via RCS)