MIAMI, May 28 (UPI) -- Miami's LeBron James pumped in 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting Monday and the Heat stifled Boston 93-79 to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
James grabbed eight rebounds while Dwyane Wade added 12 points and six assists for the Heat, who used a tough defense to grab the early advantage in the best-of-seven series.
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The Celtics managed only 37.5 percent shooting from the floor as the Heat allowed only three Boston points off the fast break.
Miami outrebounded the Celtics 34-25.
Kevin Garnett provided 20 points and eight boards while Paul Pierce was held to 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting for Boston, which will try to bounce back Wednesday in Game 2 at Miami.
