Miami Heat were crowned 2012 NBA Champions after overpowering Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena on Thursday night. The resounding victory gave the Heat a 4-1 series victory and handed the franchise only their second NBA title with their previous champagne moment coming in 2006.
As has been the story in the last three games, Heat were once again led by a scintillating display from their star forward LeBron James who crowned his first NBA championship ring with a triple double of 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. It was a performance which capped off a splendid run in the series for James and fittingly earned him the Most Valuable Player award of the Finals.
Basketball
A limping LeBron James delivered a heroic performance to earn Miami Heat a 104-98 victory over Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena on Tuesday night. The Heat now lead the series 3-1 and stand a win away from their second NBA title. In a dramatic finish to the game, James overcame cramps to his left leg to sink a crucial three-pointer with the scores tied at 94 apiece and two minutes 50 seconds left on the clock. It proved to be a blow the Thunder failed to recover from as Miami went on seal their third straight win.
Miami Heat overcame a 10-point third quarter deficit to beat Oklahoma City Thunder 91-85 in a pulsating Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena on Sunday night. The narrow win puts the Heat 2-1 ahead in the series. Star forward LeBron James was again in imperious form for Miami as he led the way with 29 points and 14 rebounds with Dwayne Wade also turning in a fine performance with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
The 'Big Three' of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh struck rich form to help the Miami Heat carve out an impressive 100-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 and tie the NBA Finals at one game apiece on Thursday night. The victory, however, did not come easy. After shooting into an early lead (18-2) in the first quarter, the Heat had to quell a determined fight back from the Thunder, for whom Kevin Durant, once again sparkled with his tireless performance.
All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook gave standout performances and helped the Oklahoma City Thunder stage a splendid rally to put it across the Miami Heat 105-94 to snatch the opening game in the NBA finals at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Tuesday night.