The Nets couldn't stop a balanced scoring attack from the Heat, as Miami won the opener in a blowout, 100-77. Shaquille O'Neal was in foul trouble most of the game and only played 21 minutes, but Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 21 points, and 5 other Miami players scored in double-figures. Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 19 points and 5 assists, and Zoran Planinic came off the bench for 11.
- Boxscore - NBA
- Heat 100, Nets 77 - Tom Canavan - AP
- Game 1: Heat @ Nets--11.03.04 - BasketballBoards.net
- It's open season on the Nets as Heat romps at Arena - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
- O'Neal helps Heat - Don Burke - Star-Ledger
- Nets faithful pass their loyalty test - Don Burke - Star-Ledger
- Irate Mourning put in foul mood by refs - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
- New Jersey Nots - Al Iannazzone - Bergen Record
- Nets notes - Al Iannazzone - Bergen Record
- Nets shut off in opener - Ohm Youngmisuk - New York Daily News
- Shaq slimmer & still big risk - Filip Bondy - New York Daily News
- Mourning gets rude welcome from old rival - Darren Everson - New York Daily News
- Ugly Start for Nets - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- Jersey Filled With Intrigue - George Willis - New York Post
- Something Is Missing From This Nets Picture - Jason Diamos - New York Times
- Is Hockey Still On Strike? - Joe - JoeNetsfan
- No Defending Nets’ Effort - Will Weiss - YES Network
- Not what they used to be - Al Iannazzone - YES Network