After besting the Philadelphia 76ers in the seven games a few days ago, the Boston Celtics fell Monday in their first game of the Eastern Conference Finals to the heavily favored Miami Heat by a score of 93-79.

Forward LeBron James led the Heat with 32 points and 13 rebounds while Dwyane Wade added 22 points and seven assists. Miami led from start to finish and controlled the action with the exception of the second quarter.    After an 11-point first quarter, the Celtics managed to tie the score at 46 at halftime. The Heat then regained the control with a big third quarter, where they outscored Boston 26-15.  The Celtics trailed by double digits most of the second half, struggling to crack the Heat’s tough defense.

Boston shot just 39 percent from the field.  The Celtics were led by Kevin Garnett’s 23 points and 10 rebounds.  Garnett did not receive any help from Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, who combined to shoot 14 of 45. More importantly, the Celtics also can’t afford to shoot 11 of 21 from the free throw line.

Game 2 is Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.  With some luck, the Celtics will have figured out some of the Miami Heat’s offensive schemes and will be able to shut down the dynamic duo of the heat.