When LeBron James finally won his first NBA championship in 2012, the question was how many championships he would ultimately win.
The following June, he had the opportunity to get his second ring, thanks to the heroics of Ray Allen, which took the Miami Heat to Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
On June 20, 2013, the Heat and San Antonio Spurs met at AmericanAirlines Arena in South Florida to decide the 2013 world championship.
Tim Duncan and company jumped out to an early 11-4 lead, but Miami fought back fast, and the rest of the contest was fought on relatively even terms.
Duncan had 24 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, while Kawhi Leonard added 19 points and 16 rebounds to keep the Spurs on Miami’s heels.
With less than a minute left and the Heat clinging to a two-point lead, Duncan missed a short hook shot, as well as a tip-in attempt, and moments later, James calmly sank a long jumper to give Miami insurance.
The Heat held on for a 95-88 victory, giving them back-to-back NBA championships.
James made it happen with one of the greatest performances ever in a Game 7 of the Finals: 37 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Dwyane Wade also made his presence felt with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
This title essentially proved that James’ first was no fluke, and it seemed to place him firmly in the discussion for perhaps being the greatest ever, at least among some fans and observers.
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