Around the 30 second mark with San Antonio up 5 points, Miami Heat fans began to exit the building and the NBA Championship trophy was wheeled to the floor anticipating another Spurs title. LeBron and Chris Bosh did not like that too much (1:50 mark) as the Heat hit two late three pointers to force overtime and eventually win the game to force Game 7 on Thursday. 

In one of the greatest NBA Finals games ever, it looked as if the Heat were going to lose their second Finals series in the past three years and LeBron was going to receive even more flack for not being clutch. That was until he nailed a three-pointer to make it a one possession game. After a missed free throw by Kawhi Leonard that made it a three point game, Chris Bosh grabbed an offensive rebound with five seconds left and found Ray Allen open in the corner for three. Of course, Ray Allen did what the best shooter in NBA history would do and that is drain the shot to tie the game. With that one shot, Allen not only saved the Heat from another finals loss but saved LeBron’s legacy as well as the make-up of this team. With another loss in the Finals, the Big Three era in Miami may have come to an end but for now it is safe for one more game.

After losing his headband with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, LeBron completely took over and sent Twitter into a frenzy. In what will be remembered by many as the “LeBron James Headband Game”, LeBron quieted his critics and scored 13 points in the fourth, bringing his team back from a ten point deficit and eventually leading them to a victory. He finished the game with 32 points along with 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth NBA Finals triple double; one more than every other active NBA player combined. 

Wade struggled late, scoring only fourteen points for the game and disappearing in the fourth quarter as James and Allen took the team to overtime. Although he was quiet offensively with only 10 points, Chris Bosh was a huge reason for the Heat win. With the Heat up one with seconds remaining in the game, Bosh blocked Tony Parker’s shot attempt which allowed the Heat to make two free throws and take a three-point lead. He then blocked Danny Green’s three-point attempt at the buzzer to secure Game 7 in Miami. Chalmers played well early, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the first half. Allen and Battier both chipped in with nine points, combining for four three-pointers.

Tim Duncan dominated the first half but appeared fatigued in the second half as Popovich kept him out of the game during the two possessions when Miami recovered offensive rebounds which resulted in two made three-pointers. He put up 25 points in the first half while only scoring 5 in the second. He recorded 17 rebounds to go along with his 30 points. Kawhi Leonard also had a big game with 22 points and 11 rebounds but could not stop a determined James late in the fourth quarter. Despite scoring 19 points, Tony Parker was relatively quiet in Game 6 as he shot an abysmal 6-23 from the floor. His poor shooting was largely due to James defending him. James’ physical style of play matched with his quickness gave Parker fits all night. After a great performance in Game 5, Manu Ginobili was almost nonexistent only taking five shots the entire game but nobody will remember the horrible play by Parker and Ginobili if the Spurs pull out Game 7. The Game 6 choke will no longer be relevant if they can finish the Heat in Miami.

There has not been a Finals game with so many implications in recent memory. With a win, the Spurs dynasty that started with Duncan back in 1999 will continue and the trio will be up there with Magic, Worthy, and Kareem for best of all time. With his fifth title, Tim Duncan will be among the elite of the elite and will make it difficult for people to put Kobe above him as the best player of this generation. With a second title, LeBron’s legacy will continue to grow and his quest for greatest player of all time will only be strengthened. It doesn’t get any better than a Game 7 in the NBA Finals, especially one with the legacy of so many players riding on it. The game tips Thursday, June 20 at 6 (9 ET).

 

Reach Staff Writer Matt Padavick here or follow him on Twitter.