The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks 92-84 to take the first game of the National Basketball Association championship series Tuesday.

LeBron James led the Heat with 24 points, including four three-pointers, while the other members of the team's storied “Big Three,” Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, finished with 22 and 19 points respectively.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points for the Mavericks, who gave up an eight-point lead in the third quarter.

Dallas will attempt to even the best-of-seven series Thursday in game two, also set to be held in Miami.