LeBron James scored 26 points, Dwyane Wade added 24 and rookie Norris Cole's 14 fourth-quarter points helped Miami hold off Boston's late challenge in a 115-107 NBA victory Tuesday. The star-studded Heat dominated most of the contest, leading by as many as 20 points before the determined Celtics twice narrowed the deficit to three points in the closing minutes. Cole, playing his second NBA contest, helped make the difference as he delivered 14 of his 20 points in the final period – the reserve point guard earning chants of “MVP” from the Miami crowd. Cole also took a charge from Boston's imposing Brandon Bass with 3:15 remaining. Sprawled on the court, Cole was clearly delighted as the foul was called on Bass. Chris Bosh added 18 points for Miami. Ray Allen scored 28 points for the Celtics, who were again without Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo finished with 22 points and 12 assists for Boston, and Keyon Dooling came off the bench and chipped in 13 points. But the Celtics could not overcome the Heat's aggressive attack and red-hot 56 percent shooting from the field. 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. 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. Kevin Love had 31 points and 20 rebounds for the Timberwolves, whose late rally came up just short. Lakers 96, Jazz 71: In Los angeles, after finishing three games in roughly 56 hours with their best effort yet, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers demonstrated why their demise might not be as imminent as many thought. Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Lakers avoided just the fourth 0-3 start in franchise history with a fine victory over the Utah Jazz. Metta World Peace scored 14 points for the Lakers. In another game, Portland routed Sacramento 101-79.
