Published>Wed, Oct 06 10 10:16 AM
LeBron James and the new-look Miami Heat made their highly anticipated pre-season debut on Tuesday amid plenty of fanfare for a game that has no bearing on the NBA's regular season.
When James went through his pre-game ritual of throwing a handful of powder overhead to create a dusty white cloud, the roar from the anxious home crowd confirmed that business was about to begin.
From the outset it was clear that James was eager to lay down his marker with his new team, even if it came during a meaningless pre-season exhibition game.
He scored 12 points in the first quarter, with the final two coming from a powerful dunk after a fierce spin which he celebrated with a huge wave of his arms as Miami cruised to a 105-89 win over the Detroit Pistons.
The off-season was dominated by James's free agency, his deliberations, his decision and the fallout from the manner in which he handled his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James never looked comfortable off the court, from his much criticised and televised announcement that he was "taking my talents to South Beach", to recent comments that race may have been a factor in the backlash against him, and so the forward has won few friends with his off-season words and actions.
But he still received a warm welcome in Miami where fans are hoping James can lead the team to their first NBA title since 2006.
"You can tell it's an exciting time for this city," James told reporters before the game, and certainly the buzz outside the venue was anything but typical for a pre-season game anywhere, let alone South Florida.
Predictably the car parking prices were up, double in some cases, and it was clear from the crowds waiting for the venue to open that Heat merchandise has been selling well.
It was somewhat surprising that the arena was mostly empty when, 12 minutes before the tip-off, the leading trio of James and fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh ran on to the court with their team mates.
But Miami folk do not count punctuality among their main qualities and the venue soon filled with a crowd that surpassed the number achieved for many regular season games in recent years.
While Heat fans showed their appreciation for James, it was clear that they were made up mostly of longer-term supporters since the biggest cheer of the night was for established Heat player and local boy Udonis Haslem.
The celebratory mood was dampened somewhat when Wade left the game after three minutes with a hamstring injury. He was treated briefly courtside before leaving for further treatment on his right hamstring and he did not return.
The cut short the time Miami's "Big Three" spent together on the court, but LeBron looked like a man who had missed the game during the off-season.
He was aggressive, driving, dunking and scoring 18 points on 9-of-18 shooting, with four assists and three rebounds in 27 minutes before leaving late in the third quarter.
Bosh had a game high 20 points along with six rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes while Wade had two points.
It was a welcome appetizer from James and the new Heat but they know the real business starts Oct. 26 against the Celtics in Boston in what is one of the most highly anticipated NBA season openers in years.
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