Bobcats make NBA debut with loss to Wizards

Primoz Brezec fought through a double team, spun to his left and sank a layup for a 2-0 lead.

With that, the NBA was back in Charlotte, N.C., after a two-year absence.

The Bobcats opened their first season Thursday night with a 103-96 home loss to the Washington Wizards, failing to become the third consecutive expansion team to win its NBA debut.

Antawn Jamison, a Charlotte native, led Washington with 24 points.

Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, led Charlotte with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Heat 92, Cavaliers 86: At Miami, Dwayne Wade scored 28 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 17 points and nine rebounds in his home debut for his new team as Miami beat Cleveland before 20,235 Shaq-crazed fans – the largest crowd to see a Heat home game.

O’Neal scored the game’s first points on Miami’s opening possession and the Heat never trailed.

Drew Gooden scored 24 points and LeBron James added 21 and eight rebounds for Cleveland (0-2).

Cavaliers forward Scott Williams left with 2:08 left in the first quarter because of an injured right pinky. He screamed when trainers tried to pop the finger back into place on the bench during a timeout, then left the court for X-rays.

Nuggets 94, Timberwolves 92 (OT): At Denver, Earl Boykins hit a jumper with 6.8 seconds left in overtime and Carmelo Anthony had 19 points and 14 rebounds to help Denver win its home opener against Minnesota.

Off the court

Atlanta center Jason Collier will miss at least two games with severe bronchitis. … New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank signed a four-year, $10 million contract extension. … Milwaukee waived forward Marcus Haislip and signed free agent forward Marcus Fizer.