2014 NBA playoffs: Miami Heat during the Big Three era
June 7, 2012
LeBron To The Rescue
This was the stuff of legends. It certainly wasn't the stuff of losers, which LeBron and the Heat had been deemed after dropping three straight to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals and facing elimination in Game 6 in Boston. This game would define LeBron's tenure in Miami. And perhaps his entire career. Season on the line. Reputation on the line.
Perhaps this entire Heat experience on the line.
Wearing a determined stare for nearly every second of this experience, LeBron went into a building where he'd seen little playoff success and absolutely dominated. With 45 points on 19-of-26 shooting, 15 rebounds and none of the passivity that he had showed in big games in the past, LeBron changed the narrative. He wasn't a choker. He was shoving clutchness in everyone's face, and not showing an ounce of emotion while doing so. He carried his teammates, who combined to shoot 18-of-50 (36 percent) and score just 53 points. The Heat won 98-79. LeBron won the respect of many.
Advertisement
ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.
