2012 Eastern Conference Finals: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat

Today, I am continuing my breakdown of some of the greatest NBA Playoff Series of all time. Today, I will be breaking down the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals between Lebron James and the Miami Heat vs Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics.

After losing in the Finals in 2011, Lebron James was desperate for a title. The Big 3 Celtics were getting older but still posed a threat to James and the Heat.

In 2011, the Heat beat the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Game 1 was set to be in Miami, and the home team did not disappoint. Lebron James had 32 points and 13 rebounds as the Heat won Game 1 convincingly. Game 2, however was an instant classic. The game was highlighted by Rajon Rondo having 44 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Ray Allen hit a 3 with under 30 seconds left, and Lebron James missed at the buzzer, sending the game to OT. The Heat managed to win 115-111 in OT, with Lebron James having 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win.

With the Heat leading 2-0, the Celtics needed to respond, otherwise their season was over. In Game 3, Rondo, Pierce, and Garnett all scored over 20, and the Celtics won 101-90. In Game 4, the game was sent to OT, and with a chance to win the game, Dwyane Wade missed a 3. The Celtics won 93-91 thanks to Paul Pierce who had 23 points.

With the series tied 2-2, the decisive Game 5 was back in Miami. With under a minute to go, the Celtics were up by 1, 87-86. Paul Pierce hit the dagger 3 to seal the win for the Celtics, 93-90. Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics.

Game 6 was back in Boston, and Lebron James had another one of those legacy-tester games. And he delivered. James had 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 73% from the field. The Heat dominated Game 6, and they headed back to Miami for the series deciding Game 7.

Back in Miami for Game 7, both teams were a game away from the NBA Finals. Lebron James had 31 points and 12 rebounds with some big shots in the 4th quarter as the head prevailed 101-88, and they headed to the NBA Finals to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This series was a classic. Game 2 was a thriller with great performances from Rondo and James. The Celtics fought back in the series to lead 3-2 after Paul Pierce hit the dagger 3 in Game 5. Game 6 brought us perhaps the greatest Lebron James performance of all time, and he again showed up in Game 7 as the Heat advanced to the NBA Finals for a 2nd straight season.

I hope you have enjoyed another edition of the playoff series, please leave a comment on what your favorite moment from this series was, and any other classic NBA Playoff series that you want me to break down.

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