How Sweet it is: HEAT win 2nd title in franchise history
By: Matt Blue
Game 5 was all about validation and vindication for LeBron James and the Miami HEAT. The HEAT’s belief was always stronger than everyone’s doubt. The HEAT vowed not to replay the heartbreak and pain they experienced in the 2011 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. There was just absolutely no way Miami was losing this game as they played like the hungrier team who just wanted it more. “It’s about damn time said HEAT forward LeBron James after the conclusion of his team’s Finals clinching beat down on the Thunder.
LeBron dreamed of this moment for a long time. “You know my dream has become a reality now, and it’s the best feeling I ever had,” James said. LeBron James certainly did his part as he finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.
But the man of the night for the HEAT was HEAT sharpshooter Mike Miller, who was basically a forgotten man before Game 5. Miller played like there was no tomorrow by knocking down a staggering seven three pointers and scoring 23 points. Miller played with tremendous heart, determination and confidence. There are rumors circulating that he is in the process of contemplating retirement. So this very well could have been his final game. Could you ask for a better way to finish your career?
There is no denying the fact that the HEAT’s supporting cast stepped like it needed to. In Game 2, Shane Battier helped lift Miami to a huge win on the road at OKC by finishing with a miraculous scoring effort which consisted of 17 points. This was miraculous when it comes to Shane Battier offensive scoring standards. Also, in Game 4; Mario Chalmers played completely out of his mind by posting a Finals career high of 25 points. These efforts from the HEAT’s supporting cast really provided a spark throughout the series.
The Miami HEAT overcame so much to reach this point. They overcame unprecedented scrutiny, doubt and negativity. There is not a single team or a single player in LeBron James that has ever been criticized quite this much. In the age of social media, sports talk radio and 24-7 opinion television; this team was being viewed under a constant microscope from day 1. For a myriad of reasons, this has been the most polarizing team in the history of the NBA. It was literally the Miami HEAT and South Florida vs. the entire world in this NBA Finals. All of the hatred and vigor only ultimately motivated and inspired the HEAT just that much more.
History has been made.
MVP of the Game: LeBron James- LeBron became only the tenth player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP and the Finals MVP in the same season. The last player to accomplish this feat was Tim Duncan in 2000. LeBron just took his game to another level in the finals.
Lights Out: Mike Miller- Miller came out of nowhere with this shooting exhibition. It looked like he was participating in the NBA All Star Weekend’s Three Point Shootout. Even though he now reminds you of a 60 year old guy who desperately needs to take a visit to the chiropractor’s office, there is no way you can say that he didn’t leave his very best on the court. This was a legendary performance by Mike Miller. HEAT fans will never forget what he did for his team during the biggest game in Miami HEAT history.
Tough Night: Oklahoma City Thunder- Congrats to the OKC thunder on a great season. However, this stage appeared to be way too big for them. For most of the game, they were just way to indecisive.
Stat of the Game: HEAT shot 14-26 (.519) from three point territory
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