James delivers in the clutch after all

If the question of which “Big 3” is more talented is still floating around, it’s not too far fetch to say that South Beach’s three superstars have ascended as the clear frontrunners. 

The Miami Heat’s three all-stars weathered the storm from last year’s displeasure against the Dallas Mavericks, and now stand 48 minutes away from accomplishing the indelible— an NBA Championship.

The sole reason why the Heat franchise is one game away from their second championship is because of the 2011-12 NBA MVP, Lebron James.

With immense expectations regardless of the scenario, James has delivered in “clutch” moments and should be lauded for his efforts.

The definition of clutch has been undermined by this generation and even respectable columnists and reporters to simply mean the closing seconds of a game and that’s it. Wrong. The appropriate definition that should be associated with the word is to perform under pressure. Clutch moments aren’t just witnessed during final shots when the clock reads all zeros. High pressured situations happen repeatedly throughout a game.

James may have been unable to finish out the remaining minute due to cramps, but his three-pointer with the shot clock winding down wasn’t the only memory that should be kept in mind during his heroic efforts in Game 4.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were given an early opportunity to pummel the Heat to misery in the first half and failed to do so after Norris Cole’s three ignited a magnificent run. 

Down by 17 would be considered a pretty daunting task for any team to recover from, especially in the first half. The Thunder gravitated away while Miami stormed back in large efforts because of James. OKC kept going for the haymaker and watched Miami counter back steadily. Erasing nearly a 20-point deficit with over 36 minutes left of basketball to play during the NBA Finals screams clutch.

Miami could have easily lost the game in the first half if it wasn’t for James’ prowess to affect all aspects of the game. He did it through passing which illustrates why he ended with 10 assists at halftime and by attacking the paint in the post. There is no bigger stage than the NBA Finals. Quite frankly, games may be credited by stupendous plays in the fourth quarter, but shouldn’t polarize efforts made in the first, second and even third.

Game 4 was a collaborative effort by every Heat member from Mario Chalmers' crunch-time shots to Shane Battier’s loose ball tip, but the captain leading that ship was James. His game is cut from a different fabric, and his performances relentlessly echo why he’s an indomitable force.  

The clock is running out for the Thunder, and if they plan on ruining Thursday night’s parade at America Airlines Arena, James Harden has to contribute in some manner. 

Harden has been prolific throughout these playoffs until now. From NBA 6th Man of the Year to a non-factor in the Finals is quite a steep decline. Plays that usually resulted in made threes and "and-ones" have gone missing. 

Rather than being a difference maker, Harden has sunk to just another guy in the rotation. 

Kevin Durant's 28 and Russell Westbrook's remarkable 43-point explosion combined for over 70 percent of the scoring in Game 4. That wasn't the formula that the Thunder used to get here.