NBA Finals - Game 6: On the Brink (Wiggum7534)

NBA Finals – Game 6: On the Brink



Miami heads home for Game 6 of the NBA Finals on the brink of elimination. The Heat have had a chance in winning all 5 games of this series, yet have faltered in crunch time. Dwyane Wade has had little support from LeBron James, who made the move to South Beach to win a title. LeBron? THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! THIS IS WHY YOU MOVED TO MIAMI! HELLO?

LeBron has scored a total of 2 points in the 4th quarter of Games 2-5. Not exactly the kind of numbers one would expect from a ‘superstar’. Superstars are at their best in crunch-time - when the stakes are at their highest. There is no higher stakes than the chance to compete for an NBA Championship.

We’ve seen brilliant performances in the Finals that have defined players’ careers. Magic (1980), Bird (1986), MJ (1991-93, 96-98), Olajuwon (1994).

Prior to Olajuwon’s title in 1994, he never truly was regarded as a great player – just a very good one, who was mentioned in the same breath has David Robinson and Patrick Ewing (other very good centres of his era). But Olajuwon’s complete domination of Ewing on the biggest stage then made us think of him in a different way. He was a champion.

LeBron still has this chance. The series is not yet over.

As we head into Game 6, let’s have a look at teams (and performances) that have been down 3-2 coming home, but ended up winning the title:



1988 – Los Angeles Lakers v Detroit

The Lakers were convincingly smashed in games 4 and 5 in Detroit, and many wondered whether this was the end of the Lakers dynasty. The upstart Pistons had beaten out Boston in the East Finals, and now looked like finishing off the job with victory over the Lakers. In one of the greatest finals series of all time (definitely top 5, sorry Mr Hollinger) the Lakers survived one of the greatest playoff performances (Isiah Thomas 43 pts, badly sprained ankle) to tie the series (103-102 Lakers). Magic led the way for the Lakers with 22 pts, 19 ast while James Worthy had 28 pts, 9 rebs – the two big guns firing.

The Lakers then finished off business in another fantastic game, holding off the Pistons 108-105. Worthy has his first career triple double (36 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast), again rising to the big occasion (earning the nickname Big Game James). Magic again solid (19 pts, 14 ast). The Pistons had a last second chance to tie the game, but the fans stormed the court with 2 seconds on the clock and…we’ll never know.

In any case, the huge performances from Magic and Worthy were the reason the Lakers were able to secure the title.



1994 – Houston v New York

The Knicks had a 3-2 series lead as the series shifted back to Houston. The Knicks had the momentum winning the last two games, and it appeared as though Patrick Ewing had FINALLY woken up in the series. However, Hakeem OIajuwon would again dominate Ewing (forcing him to shoot 30%) and blocked John Starks last second shot to lead the Rockets to victory. Olajuwon would finish with 30 pts, 10 reb and 4 blk.

Game 7 and the Rockets would prevail as Olajuwon again dominated Ewing, finishing with a near triple double (25 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast, 3 blk). Olajuwon’s big plays and domination of Ewing resulted in him being awarded the Finals MVP.

2010 – L.A Lakers v Boston

Last year the Lakers rallied from 3-2 down to beat the Celtics in a memorable game 7 at the Staples Center. Kobe’s strong performance in Game 6 (coupled with good performances from Ron Artest and Pau Gasol) forced a game 7.

The Lakers ended up falling over the line in game 7 as both teams did their best to throw the game away. Kobe (23 pts, 15 reb) shot only 25% for the game (6/24 FG). Gasol came up big (19 pts, 18 reb) as the Lakers repeated and defeated their nemesis.



This is not beyond Miami – but for the Miami to win games 6 and 7, they are going to require a lot more from LeBron. If LeBron is the superstar we all believe he is, there are no excuses - he must have stellar performances in the next two games. That’s what superstars do. That’s what truly great players do.

They lift regardless of health or mental state. They perform because they find a way to triumph against adversity. I know this is LeBron’s first finals series, and I could understand it if Miami were facing one of the great teams, but I’m not sure Dallas is that. They are good, and a worthy finalist, but a great team? A team that should force LeBron into some of the worst crunch-time performances of his life? No chance.

Don’t second guess it. These games will define LeBron’s place in the game. He will be remembered for what happens in these next two games.

As a Miami fan, I am not massively confident but I know Wade will put them in position to have their chance at winning. If only the ‘King’ could prove he is in fact that, once more.


From @wiggum7534
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