Cole has big finish, Heat holds off Celtics

Dec 28, 2011, 6:38 GMT

Los Angeles - Rookie Norris Cole erupted for 14 of his 20 points in the final quarter, and the Miami Heat held off the visiting Boston Celtics, 115-107 on Tuesday night.

LeBron James led Miami (2-0) with 26 points, Dwyane Wade had 24 while Chris Bosh finished with 18 along with 11 rebounds.

The Heat led by 20, but had it sliced to 108-105 with just over two minutes to play. Coles, however, stepped up to knock down a pair of jumpers and two free throws to seal Miami's home opener.

Ray Allen scored 28 points, while Rajon Rondo had 22, 12 assists and eight rebounds for the Celtics, who without All-Star Paul Pierce (sore right heel) opened the season at 0-2 for the first time since 2006.

Vladimir Radmanovic scored 17 points to pace six players in double figures, and the visiting Atlanta Hawks began the season by crushing the New Jersey Nets, 106-70.

Brandon Jennings scored 24 points, Jon Lauer converted a key three-point play with just over a minute left, and the Milwaukee Bucks won their home opener by trimming the Minnesota Timberwolves, 98-95.

Kevin Love collected 31 points and 20 rebounds, but missed a potential game-tying three with seven seconds left as Minnesota fell to 0-2. Spanish rookie guard Ricky Rubio finished with six points, three rebounds and four assists.

Elsewhere: The Portland Trail Blazers blew past the visiting Sacramento Kings, 101-79; and the LA Lakers avoided opening the season at 0-3 for the first time since 1978, drumming the visiting Utah Jazz, 96-71.