Basketball: Marks impresses in hot debut for Heat

MIAMI - New Zealander Sean Marks made an impressive debut for the Miami Heat as they opened their NBA season with a 97-92 win over the Toronto Raptors in Miami yesterday.

The 2.08m Marks took eight rebounds and scored five points in 17 minutes of court-time after coming off the bench as back-up centre to the experienced Alonzo Mourning.

He was the Heat's second-highest rebounder behind Mourning, who grabbed 10 rebounds and topscored with 25 points.

Marks was successful with his only field goal attempt, and made three of his four attempts from the free-throw line.

The Aucklander was in early foul trouble after coming on late in the first half, committing three fouls in his first four minutes, which saw him held off until later in the game.

Marks was confirmed in coach Pat Riley's final squad of 15 only on Tuesday and made the team for yesterday's match ahead of fellow centre Chris Gatling.

The win was sweet for Marks as he was up against the team with whom he made his NBA debut in 1998.

He was the first New Zealander to secure an NBA contract when he signed with the Raptors.

However he left frustrated at being denied much court time.

- NZPA