Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) shoots as Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) falls to the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Miami. Lin was called for an offensive foul on the play. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) - Luol Deng scored 31 points on 11-for-13 shooting, Hassan Whiteside added 21 points and 11 rebounds in his postseason debut, and the Miami Heat wasted no time taking control of what became a 123-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Dwyane Wade scored 16 points in 26 minutes for the Heat. Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire each scored 11 points and Goran Dragic had 10 assists for Miami.
Miami scored 41 points in the first quarter to tie one franchise playoff record, set another with the 123 points - topping the 121 in the 2012 NBA Finals clincher against Oklahoma City - and never trailed.
Nic Batum scored 24 points for the Hornets. Kemba Walker added 19.
Game 2 is Wednesday night in Miami.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams, front left, goes to the basket as Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) defends during the first half of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside, center, and forward Justise Winslow (20) look on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, center, talks with center Frank Kaminsky (44) and guard Courtney Lee (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press