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Miami, FL
LeBron James had 37 points and 12 rebounds as the Miami Heat captured their second straight title with a 95-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at AmericanAirlines Arena.
James, shot 12-for-23 from the field, buried the final nail in the Spurs' coffin with 27 seconds left and sealed the win by stealing the inbound pass on the next possession.
"James always rises to the occasion when it matters the most, when the competition is fiercest. It was odd, all year he had been best perimeter jump shooter in the league though he's an attacker and got to the rim, to the free-throw line," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
With his outstanding performance, James earned his second Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award, becoming the ninth player in league history to win more than one.
He joined Jordan (1991-'93, 1996-'98), Hakeem Olajuwon (1994-'95), Shaquille O'Neal (2000-'02) and Kobe Bryant (2009-'10) as the only ones to win that honor in consecutive years.
Dwyane Wade added 23 points and 10 rebounds, Shane Battier added 18 points on six three-pointers while Mario Chalmers had 14 for Heat, who won despite a scoreless night from Chris Bosh.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 24 points and 12 rebounds but missed two key shots down the stretch, including a hook shot that could have tied the game at 90.
"The obvious word is disappointing. Tough end to the game. Made some bad decisions., missed some tough shots. I don't know what to say. Just give credit to the Miami Heat," said Duncan.
Kawhi Leonard added 19 points, Manu Ginobili had 18 points and Tony Parker scored 10 while Danny Green shot 1-for-12 for the Spurs, who missed a chance to win their fifth title.
The Spurs threatened within 90-88 on a three-pointer by Leonard with two minutes left but they got no closer because of crucial misses and turnovers.
The Spurs had a chance to take the lead but Leonard missed an open 3-pointer while Duncan came up short on two short baskets in the final minute.
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