The NBA world erupted at the thought of a manufactured dynasty when LeBron James joined fellow superstars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami, but talent is not worth much if it does not execute. The Heat Big Three famously fell in the Finals to Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks, and in 2012 they found themselves on the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The original Big Three, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, had been a thorn in King James’ side since his days in Cleveland and were looking to reinstate their dominance over the East. Going up 3-2 against Miami, it took a legendary performance from LeBron to retake control and force Game 7.
LEBRON JAMES’ LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE KEPT SEASON ALIVE EN ROUTE TO 1ST CHAMPIONSHIP
The Celtics’ dislike of LeBron was well-publicized. Boston was for the most part the undisputed top dog in the East during the late 2000s. At the very least, their squad possessed the most talent. James gave them everything they could handle in their 2008 playoff matchup, taking the eventual champions seven games despite having no superstar teammates of his own. Another battle came in 2011 with both sides possessing a Big Three of their own as the Heat came out on top in five games. The prideful Celtics would not submit to Miami’s claim to the Eastern Conference throne and fought their way to a rematch in 2012.
Boston won three straight after losing both games in Miami to put themselves one win away from a trip to the Finals. LeBron responded in Game 6 with one of the most dominant performances of his career, leading the Heat in points, rebounds, and assists. The final score was 98-79, a 19-point blowout. Miami would win Game 7 as well on their way to LeBron’s first championship after beating Kevin Durant’s OKC Thunder. The Celtics Big Three broke up following the defeat with Ray Allen Joining the Heat for the 2012-2013 season, becoming an integral part of their second consecutive championship run.
June 7, 2012: A legendary LeBron James' performance occurred in Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 with the Miami #Heat trailing 3-2 in the series against the Boston Celtics when King James responded with 45 PTS & 15 REB in a must-win to blowout Boston
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 7, 2021
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