LeBron James has put up several dominating performances over the course of his career, but his outing against the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals is one of his best.
The setting:
A sold out TD Garden, and the Celtics were leading the series against James and the Heat, 3-2. Looking to play for a Game 7 in Miami, The King knew it was time for battle.
A familiar foe:
James was no stranger to these Celtics — consisting of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett — as he faced them in the postseason several times through the early stages of his career with the Cavs. In fact, the Celtics sent James and the Cavs home twice in the playoffs (2008 and 2010). It was after the second defeat to Boston that LeBron decided to “take his talents to South Beach.”
The onslaught:
James had a determined look in his eyes at the start of the game, and he was ready to work early. After starting the night with an assist to Mario Chalmers, LeBron proceeded to knock down 12 of his first 13 shots — dunks, post-ups, step-backs and three-pointers included. Simply put, he was in a zone that only the all-time greats can reach.
LeBron lost his headband midway through the second quarter, but it didn't phase him a bit. In fact, he seemed to play even harder. By the end of the first half, the former No. 1 overall pick had 30 points, and the Heat were leading by double digits.
Knowing that momentum was in his team's favor, James continued to assert his dominance in the second half. Miami's lead ballooned to 17 in the third quarter, and the Celtics had no answer. In the closing minutes of that frame, LeBron knocked down a three, then proceeded to bang his fist into his chest in a display of emotion. He had 39 points in the 34 minutes that he had played to that point.
The Heat went on to force a Game 7, claiming a 98-79 victory. James logged 45 minutes, scoring 45 points on 19-of-26 shooting from the field (2-of-4 from beyond the arc), 15 rebounds and five assists. Miami actually needed this outstanding effort LeBron, as the other members of the ‘Big 3′ (Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade) combined for 24 points.
A look at James' highlights from Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals:
“In an environment like this, you want to have a big game,” LeBron James said after the game, via ESPN. “I wanted to be there for my teammates, no matter what was going on throughout the course of the game.”
This may not be the best game of LeBron's career to some, but it should certainly be listed at or near the top of the proverbial list. In the end, the Heat managed to repeat as NBA champions that season, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.
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