The Miami Heat's return to the postseason proved a success in dramatic fashion Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena, and the team's hero was a player making his debut on this biggest of stages.

Dwyane Wade, Miami's rookie guard, hit a driving shot with 1.3 seconds left to give the Heat an 81-79 victory over the New Orleans Hornets, giving the Heat a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Heat, playing timidly and looking disjointed in the first half, roared to life in the third quarter to quickly turn a 44-41 halftime deficit into a seven-point lead heading into the final period.