The Miami Heat cruised to an easy 100-67 win over the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their first round series. LeBron James took over and the Heat blew it open in the second quarter and never looked back. After 23 first-half points, James finished with a game-high 32 points on 10 of 14 from the floor. His performance in the second quarter was MVP caliber. Dwyane Wade added 18 points but it was the defensive effort that made this one a laugher, and set the tone for the rest of the series.
The Heat switched on the defensive intensity that makes them one of the best lockdown clubs in the league. Miami forced 27 turnovers, with James getting into Carmelo Anthony for an incredible two-way performance. Anthony finished with just 11 points and was three of 15 from the floor.
Miami will look to take the first two games at home, building off this convincing win in Game 2 on Monday night in Miami.
Stick with this StoryStream for news and updates throughout the first round series between the Heat and Knicks. For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Posting And Toasting, SB Nation's Knicks blog. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
