King James Wins Without His Crown

King James without his crown.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Sans headband, LeBron James devised an indelible late-game performance Tuesday night, and with the help of Ray Allen’s historic three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in regulation, the Heat forced a game seven.

In the games’ final minutes, James, who registered his second triple-double of the finals, may have noticed the security guards beginning their preparations for the Spurs’ trophy ceremony. And perhaps Allen saw downtrodden Heat fans heading for the exits.

Whatever the spark may have been, James and Allen each connected on enormous late-game opportunities from long-range to help the Heat send the game to over time.

Now, after six games, each with a unique identity, the Heat and the Spurs will meet one last time in South Beach to crown a champion, and define a host of personal legacies.

The Spurs will look to win their fourth championship in 10 years, and add punctuation to the Popovich, Duncan, Ginobili, Parker dynasty.

Should the Heat win a second ring in as many years, the unprecedented collaboration of James, Wade, and Bosh would earn added justification. Moreover, James would bolster his resume as one of the games’ all-time greats.

If there exists one consistent theme in these finals, it is unpredictability. That, however, is of no use in anticipating a victor of Thursday night’s contest.

The Heat and the Spurs have reached a game seven by alternating wins, beginning with the Spurs victory in game one, and continuing that pattern throughout. Each game has been decided by an explosive offensive run, typically in the latter portion of the third quarter or opening of the fourth.

The Spurs found themselves with a lead in game six in large because of Tim Duncan’s performance. Duncan had 25 points in the first half, and finished with 30. He shot 13 for 21 from the field, and grabbed 17 boards.

The other two members of the Spurs’ big three struggled however. Ginobili had just nine points and turned the ball over eight times. Ginobili’s +/- was an abominable -21 for the night. Despite several big plays down the stretch, Parker shot 6-23 from the field for 19 points.

The Spurs also had little contribution from their newfound sniper Danny Green. Green, who has made an NBA record 26 three-pointers in the finals, was just one of five from downtown Tuesday night.

For the Heat, James clearly led the charge. However, Mario Chalmers inserted himself into the game by draining four three-pointers in five attempts on his way to 20 points. Bosh was also effective. The center collected 11 rebounds and registered two block shots, including a stuff on Danny Green’s three point attempt that would have sent the game into a second overtime.

In game seven, both teams will look to attack early. The Heat will certainly benefit from their game six momentum, and LeBron will likely try to impose his will right from the tip. The Spurs need to avoid an early deficit, and try to keep pace with the Heat’s early pushes.

However, if Duncan is able to continue dominating the post, he could easily have another monster performance in what might be his last time suiting up for an NBA game.

Ginobili and Parker will both need to increase their efficiency on offense if they want another ring. The Spurs win when they play well.

If the Heat get points from their bench they could be unstoppable, assuming James, Wade, and Bosh come to play.

In games where his team faces elimination, James averages 31.5 points. This will ultimately be his game to lose.

On Wednesday, James announced in a press conference that he will be starting Game 7 with his headband.