2012 NBA Finals

• 1. Series Overview And Outcome

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  The 2012 NBA Finals began on June 12 and concluded on June 21. The Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games to win their second championship in franchise history. LeBron James earned the NBA Finals MVP award after averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists throughout the series. This victory marked James' first championship title. It also represented the Thunder's first appearance in the Finals since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.

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• 2. Miami Heat Championship Run

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  The Heat finished the regular season with 46 wins, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They faced the New York Knicks in the first round, winning 4, 1 for the first time since 1997. In the Conference semifinals, they defeated the Indiana Pacers 4, 2 despite trailing 2, 1 and losing Chris Bosh to injury. The team then survived a grueling Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, winning 4, 3 while trailing 3, 2. A key moment occurred during Game 6 when LeBron James scored 45 points, allowing Miami to win Game 7 at home. The Heat became the first team since the 1994, 95 Houston Rockets to overcome multiple series deficits en route to the finals.

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• 3. Oklahoma City Thunder History

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  This was the Thunder's first NBA Finals appearance since their relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. Including their seasons as the Seattle SuperSonics, this marked the club's fourth Finals appearance overall. The team had not reached the Finals since losing to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in 1996. During the playoffs, they defeated the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in a 4, 0 sweep. Next, they dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semifinals 4, 1. They then defeated the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs 4, 2 in the Western Conference finals, snapping San Antonio's 20-game winning streak. The Thunder entered the Finals as the second-youngest finalists in NBA history.

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• 4. Game By Game Breakdown

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  Game 1 ended with the Thunder defeating the Heat 105, 94 on June 12. Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 36 points while Russell Westbrook added 27. LeBron James scored 30 points for Miami but was held to one basket during the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter. In Game 2, the Heat won 100, 96 on June 14, tying the series at one game apiece. Durant missed a game-tying jumper in the closing seconds after hitting a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 98, 96. Game 3 saw Miami win 91, 85 on June 17, taking a two-games-to-one lead. James recorded 29 points and 14 rebounds. Game 4 concluded with Miami winning 104, 98 on June 19. Norris Cole hit two huge three-pointers early, and Mario Chalmers scored 25 points including key late plays. Game 5 finished with Miami winning 121, 106 on June 21. Mike Miller went 7-for-8 from three-point range, scoring 23 points as part of a team record 14 three-pointers made.

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• 5. Broadcasting And Viewership

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  In the United States, the NBA Finals aired on ABC with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy serving as commentators. Local ABC stations for the competing teams were WPLG in Miami and KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. ESPN Radio also broadcast the games featuring Jim Durham, Jack Ramsay, and Hubie Brown. The first game drew 16.195 million viewers with a 9.9 rating share. The second game reached 16.670 million viewers with an 10.4 rating share. The third game had 15.549 million viewers and an 8.8 rating share. The fourth game attracted 17.455 million viewers with a 10.5 rating share. The final game peaked at 18.461 million viewers with an 10.9 rating share.

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• 6. Post Series Player Movements

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  On the 27th of October 2012, James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Daequan Cook, Cole Aldrich, and Lazar Hayward. In exchange, the Thunder received Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks that became Steven Adams and Mitch McGary, and a second-round pick that became Álex Abrines. Harden went on to win the MVP award in 2018 after becoming an MVP-caliber player in Houston. The Thunder did receive Steven Adams who became a fixture at center for several years. Their predicted dynasty did not materialize as they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the following playoffs due to a Russell Westbrook knee injury. The core's last championship opportunity came in the 2016 playoffs when they took a 3, 1 lead against the Golden State Warriors before losing three straight games. Kevin Durant left the team for free agency a month later joining the Warriors.

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