LeBron James and the Miami Heat were showered with chants of “Overrated!” They sure looked that way in their debut as a team formed to win a championship.
The old Big Three of the Boston Celtics, playing under the franchise’s 17 title banners, beat the new Big Three of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh 88-80 on Tuesday night.
The Heat, though, knew it would take time to jell.
“It’s a feel-out process,” James said. “When you have so many options, it’s something I’m not accustomed to, having that many threats out on the court at the same time.”
Wade was limited to 13 points on 4-of-16 shooting and Bosh added eight points and eight rebounds. The trio combined for 15 of the Heat’s 17 turnovers — eight by James, six by Wade and one by Bosh. And Miami was outscored 16-9 in the first quarter.
“This is one of 82,” said Wade, whose preseason action was limited to the first three minutes because of a strained right hamstring. “Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0. It just ain’t happening.”
