LeBron James’ Gets Triple-Double to Lead Miami Heat Past Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 to Win the NBA Title
LeBron James recorded a triple-double, and the Miami Heat won the 2012 NBA title with a 121-106 rout of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Miami on Thursday night. James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, while Chris Bosh added 24 points and 7 rebounds, as Miami won the best-of-seven NBA Finals in five games.
After leading 59-49 at halftime, Miami seized control of the game with a 36-22 advantage in the third quarter. Oklahoma City pulled within 61-56, but successive three-pointers from Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier gave Miami a 67-56 bulge, which they extended to 95-71 heading into the final quarter. The Thunder never seriously threatened the Heat's lead in the final period.
James, Bosh and Heat superstar Dwayne Wade, who was the MVP of the 2006 NBA Finals that delivered Miami its first NBA title, all left the game for good with 3:01 minutes remaining and the lead secured. James was named the series' most valuable player, as he averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists over five games. He and Bosh joined the Heat via free agency in July of 2010 with the promise of pairing with Wade to bring multiple championships to Miami.
Kevin Durant had a game-high 32 points in a losing effort for Oklahoma City, while teammate Russell Westbrook chipped in with 19. After winning the opener of the 2012 NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, the Thunder were swept in the next four games, including three consecutive losses at Miami.