NBA Playoffs 2012: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Shut Down Celtics in Game 1

Most experts aren't giving the Boston Celtics much of a chance to win the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat. Things have to go close to perfect for the Celtics to reach the NBA Finals.

It didn't go perfect for them tonight, as the Miami Heat ran away in the second half to post a 93-79 win in Game 1.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were both exceptional for the Heat.

James continued his strong play with 32 points and 13 rebounds. James shot effectively (13-for-22), got to the foul line nine times and blocked three shots.

Wade was more of a facilitator much of the night, dishing out seven assists. However, Wade picked his scoring up in the second half and finished with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting.

When James and Wade play at such a high level, the Heat are nearly impossible to beat.

Miami still needs help from their role players and they received that tonight.

Shane Battier, appearing in his first conference final game, was all over the court. He made life miserable for Paul Pierce, grabbed rebounds and made some key shots. Battier registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Mike Miller came off the bench to score eight points in the second quarter including two straight three's. Mario Chalmers played a solid all-around game with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Heat were exceptional defending the paint, repeatedly blocking Celtic shots close to the basket. Miami blocked 11 shots tying their playoff record.

To have any chance, the Celtics needed to shoot well—particularly Ray Allen and Paul Pierce from the perimeter.

That didn't happen tonight.

Allen, dogged by his ankle problems, did not look good shooting the ball. His shot came out flat much of the night as he shot 1-for-7 and, even more incredibly, only 3-for-7 from the charity stripe. Pierce shot a woeful 5-for-18.

Kevin Garnett was the only Celtic hitting shots consistently from outside and scored 23 points.

Miami's defense won it for them in the second half. After Boston poured in 35 second quarter points to tie the game at 46 at halftime, the Heat limited Boston to 33 second-half points.

Boston is pretty battered.

Avery Bradley is out for the season, Ray Allen is a shell of himself and Pierce is nursing a knee injury and is not at full strength. But you get the feeling that even if they were at full strength, there may not be any stopping Miami as long as James and Wade can play at such a high level.

Game 2 is Wednesday night in Miami where the Heat are now 29-5 this season. Boston will need to play one of their best games of the year to avoid returning home down 2-0.