Miami — The Miami Heat nearly blew a 20-point lead before hanging on to edge the Boston Celtics 115-107 in yesterday’s NBA action, with LeBron James scoring 26 points.
Rookie point guard Norris Cole came up with 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to help Miami resist Boston’s surge, which saw the Celtics twice cut the lead to three points in the closing minutes. Cole delivered the riposte both times with a pair of jump shots, and the Heat escaped.
Ray Allen scored 28 points on 8 for 12 shooting for the Celtics.
Lakers 96, Jazz 71
In Los Angeles, the hosts avoided just the fourth 0-3 start in franchise history by easily beating Utah.
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points and Pau Gasol added 22 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who had much more life than the Jazz despite playing their third game in three nights to open the season.
Los Angeles ran away with a dominant third quarter, making a 27-8 surge to set up the first win for new coach Mike Brown.
Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Utah, the last NBA team to open its season.
Hawks 106, Nets 70
In Newark, New Jersey, Atlanta opened a double-digit lead early and cruised to a victory over sluggish New Jersey, which was playing its last home opener in the state.
Marvin Williams had 14 points and nine rebounds while Jeff Teague added 13 points for the Hawks, who embarrassed the Nets in a game in which the crowd was booing the Brooklyn-bound team by halftime.
Rookie MarShon Brooks had 17 points to lead the cold-shooting Nets, who looked tired coming off a season-opening comeback win in Washington on Monday.
Bucks 98, Timberwolves 95
In Milwaukee, rookie Jon Leuer converted a three-point play with 1:17 left, helping Milwaukee hold off Minnesota in its home opener.
Brandon Jennings scored 24 points for the Bucks, who were playing without forward Drew Gooden because of a suspension and several other key players because of injuries.
Kevin Love had 31 points and 20 rebounds for the Timberwolves, whose late rally came up just short.
Minnesota was without coach Rick Adelman, who was attending a funeral. Assistant Terry Porter, who used to coach the Bucks, filled in.
Blazers 101, Kings 79
In Portland, Gerald Wallace had 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, leading Portland over Sacramento.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers.
DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who struggled with field shooting in the second half and committed 23 fouls and 20 turnovers for the game. /ap