LeBron James Returns, Heat Still Fall to Bobcats

Filed under: Bobcats, Heat, NBA Preseason

MIAMI -- The Miami Heat lost to the Charlotte Bobcats 102-96 in their home preseason finale Monday, but the final score took a back seat when factoring how many players were sitting out for both teams and the limited minutes in which most starters played.

After losing their first four games, the Bobcats won their second game of the preseason behind strong performances by D.J. Augustin, Nazr Mohammed and Tyrus Thomas -- taking full advantage of the Heat's weaknesses at the center and point guard positions.

Though the Heat were the better team when LeBron James and Chris Bosh were on the court, Miami's coaching staff has plenty of work to do figuring out how to stop allowing so many baskets in the paint and allowing quicker point guards to penetrate so easily. Carlos Arroyo ran the Heat's offense well upon his return from injury but gave up more points on the other end with Augustin having his way.

The Bobcats simply shot better than the Heat, relying on an efficient and conservative offense compared to Miami's high-flying yet often scatterbrained attack. Many of Miami's errors were unforced, mostly due to over-passing the ball and forcing shots when the shot clock was winding down.

Tiger woods David Beckham LA Lakers Roger Federer New Jersey Devils