Playing for all the marbles, Lebron James displayed tenacity throughout Game 7, scoring 37 points, hauling down 12 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists, as Miami Heat beat San Antonio Spurs in a close fight determined only in the closing minutes. It was the 2nd championship for Miami in 3 consecutive finals appearances and 3rd overall for the ball club. Final score was 95-88.
With his supposed greatness and legacy on the line, James was grit and determination personified as he orchestrated Miami's offensive plays, burying 5 triples and penetrating the shaded lane time and again. Dwayne Wade scored 23 points while Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers added 18 and 14 points, respectively.
With a tight defense, Miami held San Antonio at bay in the dying minutes as they double teamed on Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan. James sealed the win with a steal on Manu's pass to Duncan in the last 25 seconds of the game.
True to his promise to win more championships for Miami, Lebron has finally silenced his critics and has solidified his place among the world's best cagers of all time. He is, at the moment, at the pinnacle of his career. As the multi-titled San Antonio Spurs' coach Greg Popovich would describe him: " He is the best basketball player in the world." Well spoken.
And commendation, too, is in the offing for Miami's cool and calculating bench tactician Erik Spoelstra who has steered the team to two NBA titles in 3 years. Erik is Filipino-American. Mabuhay ka !!
- Konted
In full support for the Heat (AP)
Before the start of Game 7 (AP)
2013 NBA Champions (Mail Online)
King James holds 2013 Championship trophy and Finals MVP trophy.(Irish Times)
Dwayne Wade is sprawled on the hardcourt amidst confetti (Mail Online)
Lebron and Dwayne are all smiles after winning two titles in a row. James was Finals MVP (Mail Online)
James displaying tenacity throughout the championship series (G'gle)
Ray Allen's 3 pointer that sent the game into overtime in Game 6
YouTube video
Chris Andersen shone brilliantly during the Miami-Indiana series as well as during the NBA finals. He made timely followups and hauled down crucial rebounds.
Coach Erik Spoelstra is Filipino-American. Mabuhay !!
President Aquino receives a Miami Heat jersey from Fil Am Coach Erik Spoelsra. (G'gle)
How much they get paid (G'gle)
$9 million Coconut Grove home of Lebron James (Sun Sentinel)
House interior (G'gle)
Lebron's car (G'gle)
James' flashy car (G'gle)
Lebron's girlfriend (G'gle)
Lebron James X 10 shoes 2013 (G'gle)
Young Miami Heat fans from Caroline Springs, Melbourne **All captions by Konted
