(L-R) Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion, guard Jason Kidd, guard Jason Terry and forward Dirk Nowitzki stand with the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy before the start of their NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Dallas, Texas December 25, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose all shined as the NBA tipped off in style on Christmas Day with some sparkling action putting aside memories of the five month long lockout.

The Miami Heat immediately showed why they are title favorites by beating last season's champions the Dallas Mavericks, while the New York Knicks enjoyed a surprise victory over the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Bulls produced a great comeback to beat the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo (C) loses control of the ball as he is covered by New York Knicks Iman Shumpert (L) and Carmelo Anthony in the first half during their NBA basketball game in New York December 25, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

The games were part of a five-game opening day to the delayed and reduced 66-game regular season after the dispute between players and owners over a new collective contract ended earlier this month.

When they finally reached a new collective bargaining agreement, that was ratified on Dec. 8, the teams had just 17 days to get their rosters filled, hold brief training camps, complete a couple of warm-ups and get ready for Sunday's openers.

The opening day quickly gave fans a taste of what was at risk with some great displays from top performers.

The Heat ruined the Mavericks' championship celebrations with a resounding 105-94 victory led by standout performances from James and team-mate Dwyane Wade in Dallas.

The Heat had to wait in their locker room as the Mavericks raised their championship banner minutes before the start of the game as Dallas players, wearing "2011 NBA Champions" on the back of their tracksuits, celebrated.