Finals: South Beach Shuffle

No one expected that kind of performance from the Miami Heat in game five, but we all knew it was possible.  When the new look Heat took shape in the summer of 2010, a future championship became inevitable.  LeBron James sat on a stage along side teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and began to rattle off the number of titles possible for the newly formed trio.  "Not one, not two, not three, not four....." and so on.  Now, more then ever, LeBron's bold statements from that summer seem like they could turn into a reality.

The Miami Heat closed out the Oklahoma City Thunder in fine fashion.  The final score read 121-106 in favor of Miami; giving the Heat a 4-1 Finals triumph that will surely be referenced for the rest of LeBron's career. 

Miami's role players finally showed up and by far delivered their most productive game this entire postseason.  Mario Chalmers had 10 points, Shane Battier scored 11, and Mike Miller was shooting from another planet dropping in 23 points while going 7-8 from three point land.  Throw in a cool 24 points from Chris Bosh and 20 points from Wade, and you have the Thunder simply falling into a death trap last night in Miami. 

The headline performance came from Miami's leader and three time MVP, LeBron James.  LeBron played one of the best games of his entire career and did so in a close out situation on basketball's biggest stage.  His triple-double consisted of 26 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds; he did everything in game five for his team.  James joins a small list: Tim Duncan, James Worthy, Larry Bird, and (twice)Magic Johnson, all legends who had triple-double performances in close out games of the NBA Finals.  James has something new in common with those guys now; an NBA Championship to call his own.

James can also add a Finals MVP to his resume.  He averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in five Finals games.  By far the Heat's MVP all postseason long; he didn't let his team down in the Finals. 

The Thunder proved to be a worthy opponent.  Maybe some thought OKC could force a game six and perhaps a game seven back home, but credit Miami for protecting home court and closing any and all escape valves OKC was seeking.

OKC seemed shaken in the second half of game five, especially when Miami's crowd came alive late in the third, which was fueled by fast break dunks and big three pointers.  It felt at times as if Thunder forward Kevin Durant disappeared despite the fact that he lead all scorers with 32 points and 11 rebounds.  A brilliant night numbers wise for Durant, it was just overshadowed by Miami's spirited team play.

Durant was emotional following the loss and rightfully so.  He had a masterful season; winning the regular season scoring title and leading his team to the Finals.  He and his teammates wanted to be the ones celebrating with champagne and the trophy in the locker room.  Durant wanted to be the one hoisting up the "Bill Russell Finals MVP Award."  Instead, Durant lead a quiet walk back to the locker room to share a somber moment with his team. 

LeBron suffered two of these losses in the Finals before winning it all last night.  Game five in Miami was LeBron's stage and he relished every minute of it.  Durant's time will come one day, but he shouldn't take this experience for granted.  He should cherish it and remember how it feels to walk off the court empty handed.  Its not guaranteed that a he or any player will ever make it back to the Finals.  Like LeBron, Durant should let his disappointment fuel his drive to get back there sooner rather than later.

            (Trophy ceremony from last night.  LeBron wins Finals MVP and gets his ring. Via YouTube)