As Hibbert Would Say, “No Homo!”
By Eric Ralph
90-88. LeBron James steps back (time freezes: James emerges wearing his old “23”), with a jumper?
Rewind: 2007 NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs. James has his inside game took away by Coach Gregg Popovich. James and the Cavs lose as “King” is forced to take outside shots.
2011 NBA Finals: James and the freshly minted Miami Heat take lots of “heat” for forming. Without a proper bench, they still make the Finals.
Fast-Forward: James, looking “like Mike,” hits the jumper, putting Miami up 92-88 with 27 seconds left.
I actually tear up, then try and regain my composure to focus on the Heat playing d.
After winning the 2012 NBA Finals, James added the one thing his game lacked: an outside shot. During the year, he showed his improvement, knocking down over 40% of his tries.
LeBron’s J put his Heat firmly in position to defeat those same San Antonio Spurs, only now it was the 2013 NBA Finals. James stole a Spurs pass on the ensuing possession and was immediately fouled. I couldn’t stop some quick tears. James put them up six with two free throws I knew he’d make.
Do you realize how far “King” has come? The Heat would end up winning because the Spurs continued to let James shoot. He wound up 5/10 from downtown with 37 points, a record-tying total for a game seven win.
In game six, the Heat trailed ten points heading into the fourth quarter. James would score 18 points the rest of the way to give them a chance. When the Heat looked like they had lost the series for good, trailing four points before intentionally fouling with 28 seconds left, James showed his range.
Trailing five, he drained a three to bring it back to two. Ray Allen hit a miracle three in the corner with five ticks on the clock to force overtime, where Miami would win it 103-100.
After going through everything as a fan, I have never felt a feeling like finally finishing the Spurs off. They did it, and so did everyone who supported them.