NBA Finals: Lebron James Adds To His Legacy

Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (left) and LeBron James (right) celebrate after game seven in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Miami defeated the San Antonio Spurs 95-88 to win the NBA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Lebron James can finally tune out his critics for another offseason.  He is now a two-time NBA Champion, and is also a two-time finals MVP after being awarded the honor Thursday night, after leading his Miami Heat to victory in game 7.

James now becomes the third player ever to win the regular season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season multiple times, as he did so in 2012 as well.  Michael Jordan and Larry Bird are the others who have accomplished that feat.

“This is what it’s all about,” James said. “I came here to win championships and to be able to go back-to-back, two championships in three years. So far, it’s the ultimate.”

It seemed like the four-time MVP was going to lose another chance at winning a title, as the whole Heat team, including himself, looked to be overmatched by the San Antonio Spurs.  But that changed in game 6, where James recorded a triple-double and led a frantic comeback in the fourth quarter.  In game 7, he didn’t disappoint either.  His final line was: 12 for 23 from the field, 5 for 10 from the three-point line, and 8 for 8 from the free throw line.

His 37 points tied an NBA Finals record for most points scored by a player in a game 7.  Tom Heinsohn holds the original record, set back in 1957.

While James did get help from his teammates: Dwyane Wade added 23 points, Shane Battier scored 18 points and hit 6 three-pointers, and Mario Chalmers added 14.  But in the end, it was the King who came out on top.  There’s no question now that he is in the discussion now for the best player ever.

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