King James Gospel
Fansided

LeBron James versus the Boston Celtics: A brief history

By Tony Pesta

BOSTON - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers points across the court in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2010 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 94-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers points across the court in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2010 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 94-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2011-12 Eastern Conference Finals: Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics

Miami Heat win series 4-3

This series was a career-defining moment for LeBron James. On one hand, James was playing some of the best basketball of his career. He had just won his third MVP award and was fresh off his second trip to the NBA Finals. On the other hand, James had just made the most controversial free agency move in history (At the time) and lost an NBA Finals series in which he was the heavy favorite.

It was clear to everyone that James needed to win an NBA championship this season. In order to do it, he’d have to go through his old rival.

Again, the Miami Heat began the series by winning the first two games. However, the Boston Celtics weren’t going down without a fight this time. Led by an entire team effort, the Celtics won the next three games.

At least four different players scored in double-digits in all three of the Celtics wins. Now, the Celtics held a 3-2 lead and were looking to close the series out at home. Then, game six happened.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, LeBron James’ performance in-game six was the greatest individual game of all time. James scored 30 points in the first half (45 total) shooting 73.1% from the field and grabbed 15 rebounds. In this game, James buried the Celtics single-handedly and left the basketball world stunned.

Then, James went on to notch 31 points and 12 rebounds in-game seven, clinching the series and advancing to the NBA Finals. James ended the narrative that he couldn’t handle the big moments and would end up winning his first championship the same year.