MIAMI – LeBron James really is a King. Finally.
A few weeks shy of the two-year anniversary of his infamous made-for- television special, “The Decision,” LeBron delivered on his promise to bring an NBA championship to Miami.
Only time will tell if he ever lives up to “five, six, seven,” titles like he once predicted, but at least LeBron and the Miami Heat have something to build on.
Title No. 1 for LeBron was clinched on Thursday as the Miami Heat overpowered the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder, beating them 121-102 in Game 5.
LeBron, who uttered the phrase, “I’m taking my talents to South Beach” when he announced he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign a free agent contract with Miami, punctuated his first championship by recording a triple-double.
The world’s best all-around player also pulled off a rare double by being named Finals MVP and regular season MVP in the same year.
It was all part of the “LBJ Redemption Tour” which started when he admitted that he should have handled his exit from his home state with more class.
LeBron also publicly acknowledged that he failed miserably in losing the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks in six games last season.
The hurt from that performance served as motivation for LeBron to return this season as a better, more mature player. He was dominant during Miami’s playoff run began with victories over the Knicks, Pacers and Celtics.
Overall, he scored 30 or more points in 13 of 23 games including two games against the Thunder. He was averaging 29 points in four Finals games but with the Heat in control for a majority of Game 5, LeBron didn’t need his A-game. And yet, he still ended the season with 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds.
When Erik Spoelstra cleared his bench with 3:01 to play, LeBron embraced veteran teammate Juwan Howard and before raising his right index finger to the crowd. He was then mobbed by his teammates and coaches when he got to the bench. LeBron then began dancing as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Chris Bosh, who left the Toronto Raptors as a free agent two summers ago to join LeBron and Dwyane Wade, added 24 points while Wade scored 20. The Heat also got a big effory from Mike Miller in what could have been the final game of his career. Miller is suffering from a serious back injury and there is a possibility that he may be forced to retire.
If so, Miller, a class act, went out in grand style. He scored 23 points and made 7 of 8 three-pointers. Point guard Mario Chalmers, the hero of Game 4, added 10 and Shane Battier 11.
It was a disappointing finish for OKC, which got reached the Finals by beating three quality opponents; the Mavs, Lakers and Spurs. But after taking a 1-0 series lead against Miami, the Thunder lost four straight and at times played like a young team in its first Finals. OKC had one three-game losing streak during the regular season.
Kevin Durant finished with 32 points and Russell Westbrook 19. Sixth man of the year James Harden, who struggled throughout the series, scored 19 points and reached double figures just twice in five games. The Thunder trailed over the final 42 minutes as Miami went up by as many as 27 in the fourth quarter.
Through it all, Heat president Pat Riley sat emotionless for much of the night in his customary seat across from the Miami bench. Riley’s decision to resign as Knicks coach following the 1994-95 season, has paid off handsomely for the Heat.
The have their second title in six years which gives them as many trophies as the Knicks, who began in 1946-47 and last won in 1973. The Miami Heat entered the league in 1988-89.
The Heat and LeBron may just be getting started. He’s in the prime of his career and after losing in two previous Finals appearances, James appears to be more comfortable in this setting. LeBron’s teams went 2-9 in his first 11 NBA Finals games. He’s now won four straight and the throne is finally his.
After this season, it’s good to be the King.
source: By Frank Isola / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
