LeBron James takes a dunk against the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA Finals game 1 May 31, 2011 at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. [Source: Sina.com]

LeBron James took the first step toward winning his first championship by leading the host Miami Heat to a 92-84 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the Game One of the NBA Finals yesterday.

James scored 24 points, added nine rebounds and five assists to lead the Heat to the victory before a raucous, sold-out crowd hungry to see Miami's first title since 2006.

The two-time NBA most valuable player hit nine-of-16 shots but was at his best from long range, connecting on four of five from beyond the arc.

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points, connecting on seven-of-18 shots from the floor while being harassed by Heat defenders.

Game Two is in Miami tomorrow before the best-of-seven series shifts to Dallas for the next three games, if necessary.