Along with developing an up-tempo, free-flowing offense, the Heat would also like to feast on easy baskets. That plan worked against New York in Wednesday's opener.

Even though Miami lost 120-115, the Heat had 62 points in the paint. Last season's patchwork Heat averaged just 33.3 points in the paint.

The Heat hopes to continue its aggressive offense today when it visits Charlotte in the second game of this back-to-back set.

Miami, despite playing "small ball," has players such as guards Dwyane Wade, Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers who love to attack the basket. And center Udonis Haslem and forwards Shawn Marion and Michael Beasley are already adept at scoring inside on dump-off passes or offensive rebounds.

The result of that combination has been high-percentage shots either out of the fastbreak, transition offense or in the half-court game.

"Not just the other night, but I think during the course of the pre-season what we've seen is guys can attack and get to the rim," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That's one of the few positives from (opening night). And we have multiple guys that can do it so we have versatility with that." As an offshoot of getting into the lane against the Knicks, the Heat got to the free-throw line. Miami was 25-for-33 on free throws, a marked improvement from last season's average of just 23.2 free throws per game.

And then there was the rebounding. Miami out-rebounded the Knicks, 47-46.

The starters combined for 39 rebounds, led by Marion's 11, Haslem's 10 and seven apiece by Wade and Chalmers. Beasley had four rebounds.

"We had some great forays as a group," Spoelstra said. "Two or three guys going for the ball, and that's something we're going to have to do."

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