Sixers Open Season With Win Over Miami

Spencer Hawes scored 24 points and hit the winning basket late in the fourth quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Miami Heat 114-110 on Wednesday night.

The Sixers were strong from the opening tip, they made their first 11 shots and raced to a stunning 26-4 lead. The Heat, though, erased the deficit in the third quarter and appeared to take control behind LeBron James.

Hawes hit a 3-pointer, then a driving layup for a 109-108 lead with 2:01 left.

James blew two straight chances to put Miami up, losing the ball on a drive down the middle, then missed a 6-footer on the next possession.

Shane Battier missed his seventh straight 3-point attempt, and the Sixers put the game away from the free-throw line.

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