Big Three make pre-season debut in Miami Heat win
Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade made their pre-season debuts on Tuesday helping the Miami Heat defeat the Detroit Pistons 105-89. However, the young trio were only together for
three minutes, as Wade was forced to leave the game at 3:17 of the first quarter with a strained right hamstring.
According to coach Erik Spoelstra, the injury is not believed to be serious, but the Heat will be cautious and not rush Wade back into the lineup with three weeks remaining until the start
of the regular season.
"Like I told him, if we're going to have an injury, I'd rather have it now than to have it when we really get started," James said.
The injury to Wade certainly did not slow down James and Bosh as the two combined for 38 points en route to victory. James had 12 points in the first 12 minutes of the game and finished
with 18 points. Bosh picked up 20 points and finished the game 8-for-13 shooting. Udonis Haslem also had a strong game for the Heat picking up 14 points and 13 rebounds. Ben Gordon led the Detroit Pistons with 17 points in a losing effort.
The Heat built up a 20-point lead at the half with holding a 58-38 lead at the break. James and Bosh both left the floor late in the third quarter, as coach Spoelstra felt their night
was complete.
"I think we competed, definitely defensively, which allowed us to get what we want -- to get out and run," James told NBA TV at halftime before leaving the floor. "We've got a lot of speed,
a lot of quickness, and when you play defence like we did, holding an opponent under 40 per cent shooting, we can do that."
Many of the Pistons players were eager to play the game and admitted to using the game as a measuring stick heading toward the season.
"They know everybody's going to be gunning at them," Ben Wallace said. "I heard them say that they know they put the bulls-eye on their back. That helps you to focus, helps you stay on
your toes, stay on top of your game knowing that everyone is coming at you night-in and night-out."
Pistons guard Tracy McGrady also understands what it means to have Bosh, James and Wade together on the same team.
"I'm happy for those guys," McGrady said. "I look forward to, when I'm done playing basketball, seeing them win a lot of championships."
James is also optimistic about basketball in Miami.
"You can tell it's an exciting time for this city," James said. "And hopefully we can come through and do things that we need to do on the court to keep the fans excited."
Tags: