Sport
LeBron James and Miami Heat are champions
XVI wins later, the mission is complete.
“It’s a dream that he’s had since I’ve known him, to be in the NBA and be a champion,” his longtime friend Randy Mims said.
James’ successes are celebrated. His failures might be more celebrated.
When the Heat lost last year’s finals to the Dallas Mavericks, all the blame went James’ way, and with good reason. He averaged three points in fourth quarters of those six games. The most common complaint, one that James acknowledges is true, is that he didn’t make enough plays in the biggest moments. He managed only eight points in the loss that turned the series around and spun it in the Mavericks’ favor.
“Old Lesson for all,” Gilbert tweeted a few minutes after Dallas won the championship in Miami. “There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE.”
Gilbert didn’t mention James by name in the tweet, or in his letter that came out shortly after The Decision. He didn’t have to, either.
The Heat are understandably biased when it comes to perceptions about James. Some of Miami’s competitors are as well.
