Game 7 blog: LeBron comes up clutch
So, is he still not clutch?
LeBron James stepped up on the biggest stage in the NBA, hitting a critical jumper with 27 seconds to seal the Heat’s 95-88 win over the Spurs in Game 7 to clinch their second consecutive championship.
James, who has been ridiculed for coming up small in big moments, hit two crucial free throws after the jump shot with 23 seconds left to give the Heat a six-point lead. King James, who took home his second consecutive Finals MVP, scored 22 points in the second half, including nine points the in the final quarter, during his 37-point, 12-rebound effort.
And LeBron was more than willing to give a shout out to his haters moments after his performance.
With back-to-back titles, the comparisons will crop up once again.
Wayne Gretzky at 25: 2 Stanley Cups Lebron James at 28: 2 NBA Rings #WaynesBetter
— NHL Humor (@TheNHLHumor) June 21, 2013
Lebron James is better than Micheal Jordan.. pic.twitter.com/AnRdogiJeB
— JJ (@KSIOlajidebt) June 21, 2013
LeBron even showed off his outside touch in Game 7, hitting 5 of 10 from beyond the arc. The Spurs have been daring LeBron to shoot from the outside all series, opting to go under screens to keep James out of the paint. But this strategy backfired big time Thursday.
LeBron James shot chart tonight pic.twitter.com/BQ9YplPvbo
— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) June 21, 2013
This is the second consecutive time LeBron has stepped in an elimination game. In Game 6, James scored 18 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to help the Heat force Thursday’s Game 7. Oh, and he secured his fourth triple-double in his Finals career.
And what did LeBron's running mate -- Dwyane Wade -- have to say after the epic conclusion?
CIRCUS IN TOWN?
LeBron James rarely fails to amaze. How else can you explain this ridiculous layup while getting fouled in the second quarter of a back-and-forth first half?
SLOW BREAK
Tim Duncan has been known for his skills in the post, but what about his fast-break skills? We got a first-hand look in the first quarter. Well, at least he completed the move.
WHAT ARE THESE?
With all the alternate jerseys in the NBA, you can’t tell what’s real or fake. Well, at least we know these were not real.
*EXCLUSIVE* the uniforms the Miami Heat will be wearing tomorrow night. Cool Pond for Miami Heat S/S 2013 Collection pic.twitter.com/YsBAcAbeih
— Cool Pond (@cool_pond) June 20, 2013
the Sprus will be wearing these special edition unifroms for the big #Game7 tonight pic.twitter.com/rXVH2W26Ro
— Cool Pond (@cool_pond) June 21, 2013
But at least they have “Heat” and “Spurs” across their chest. What is this guy doing?
Unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/SoJOMvcaGs
— Seth Payne (@PayneNFL) June 21, 2013
It definitely got Steph Curry’s attention.
MOST POWERFUL FAN IN FREE WORLD
You know it's a big game when the Commander-in-Chief is excited for it.
Barack Obama, known for being a huge sports fan and an even bigger basketball fan, let the world know what he will be doing tonight.
Nothing better than a Game 7 for all the marbles. Will you be watching tonight? #NBAFinals
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 20, 2013