When LeBron James took less money from Miami than other suitors to leave his home area, he envisioned a night like Wednesday’s series-ending victory over Boston.
It’s why James knelt on the court after the Heat’s 97-87 victory over the Celtics in an emotional, unforgettable response to the end of the game.
James scored eight consecutive points during a pivotal late-game run that primed the Heat’s victory, giving them a 4-1 edge in the best-of-seven series.
“Everything went through my mind at that point,” James told reporters after the game. “Finally getting over this hump against this team. Everything I went through this summer, with ‘The Decision’ and deciding to come down here to be a part of this team … because I knew how important team is to this sport … and all the backlash I got from it.
“I’d be up here for two hours if I tell you exactly everything that went through my head. Very emotional at that point, you know, and happy we got through it as a team.”
James’ big effort supported Dwyane Wade, who produced 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the victory.
“It took a 5 1/2-month season for us to get to this point … to exorcise these demons,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told NBA.com. “It was a series all of us wanted since training camp.”
In the process, James and Wade led Wednesday’s Studs and Duds by catapulting the Heat into the Eastern Conference Finals against Chicago. The first game is Sunday night.
“The Heatles” can hardly wait.
STUDS
Miami G Dwyane Wade: Tallied 34 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and was plus-8 in the Heat’s series-ending 97-87 Game 6 victory over Boston.
Miami F LeBron James: Notched 33 points — including eight consecutive points in a pivotal late-game run — and added seven rebounds, four assists and was plus-14 in the Heat’s triumph over the Celtics.
Oklahoma City F Kevin Durant: Produced 19 points, seven rebounds, two blocked shots and was plus-19 in the Thunder’s convincing 99-72 Game 5 triumph over Memphis.
Oklahoma City G Daequan Cook: Came off the bench for 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and was plus-9 in the Thunder’s victory over the Grizzlies.
Miami F Chris Bosh: Notched 14 points, 11 rebounds and was plus-14 in the Heat’s victory over Boston.
Boston G Ray Allen: Hit 5-for-10 from 3-point range en route to a team-high 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in the Celtics’ loss to Miami.
Boston F Kevin Garnett: Filled the stat sheet for 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot in the Celtics’ season-ending loss to Miami.
DUDS
Memphis’ offense: The Grizzlies shot a season-worst 35.9 percent from the field, matched their season-worst scoring total and were outrebounded 50-33 in the Grizzlies’ loss at the Thunder.
Memphis G Mike Conley: Went 4-for-16 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-22 in the Grizzlies’ loss at Oklahoma City.
Memphis G Tony Allen: Struggled in a 4-for-13 shooting effort with three turnovers and was minus-17 in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Thunder.
Boston F Paul Pierce: Clanked through a 5-for-12 shooting effort with four turnovers and was a team-worst minus-15 in the Celtics’ loss to the Heat.
Miami G Mario Chalmers: Went 1-for-6 from the field, missing all four 3-point attempts in a two-point effort in the Heat’s victory over Boston.
Memphis G O.J. Mayo: Hit only 2-for-9 from the field and was minus-24 in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Thunder.
Memphis F Zach Randolph: Limited to a playoff-low nine points on 3-for-9 shooting and was minus-12 in the Grizzlies’ loss to Oklahoma City.
