In Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, Ray Allen hit a clutch 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
The Thunder were looking to repeat as Western Conference champs. But OKC’s dream faltered when All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook tore his right lateral meniscus in the first round against the Houston Rockets. The Thunder won that series but ultimately fell to the Grizzlies in the semifinals.
Back East, the Heat and Pacers eventually met in the conference finals for a seven-game series. Miami vanquished Indiana in Game 7 to earn a third straight Finals berth. Out West, the Grizzlies were no match for the San Antonio Spurs, who ousted them in four quick games.
The 2013 Finals went down as one of the best in league history, despite the fact that the winner of Games 2 through 5 won by ten-plus points each game. But in Game 6, with the Spurs seconds away from a championship, the unthinkable happened.
With 20 seconds left and the Spurs up by three, James missed a 3-pointer taken early in the shot clock. Chris Bosh snagged the offensive rebound and dished to Ray Allen, who drained a corner 3 to tie the game and completely swing the series momentum to the Heat. Miami held on to win Game 6 in overtime and went on to survive Game 7 in Miami to capture their second championship in a row.
PLAYOFFS
Eastern Conference first round
Miami defeated Milwaukee (4-0)
Chicago defeated Brooklyn (4-3)
Indiana defeated Atlanta (4-2)
New York defeated Boston (4-2)
Western Conference first round
Oklahoma City defeated Houston (4-2)
Memphis defeated LA Clippers (4-2)
Golden State defeated Denver (4-2)
San Antonio defeated Los Angeles Lakers (4-0)
Eastern Conference semifinals
Miami defeated Chicago (4-1)
Indiana defeated New York (4-2)
Western Conference semifinals
Memphis defeated Oklahoma City (4-1)
San Antonio defeated Golden State (4-2)
Eastern Conference finals
Miami defeated Indiana (4-3)
Western Conference finals
San Antonio defeated Memphis (4-0)
NBA Finals
Miami defeated San Antonio (4-3)
SEASON LEADERS
Points — Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks (28.7)
Assists — Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics (11.1)
Rebounds — Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers (12.4)
Steals — Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers (2.4)
Blocks — Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder (3.0)
FG% — DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers (64.3)
FT% — Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder (90.5)
3PT% — Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors (46.1)
AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Player — LeBron James, Miami Heat
Rookie of the Year — Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Defensive Player of the Year — Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Most Improved Player — Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Sixth Man of the Year — J.R. Smith, New York Knicks
Coach of the Year — George Karl, Denver Nuggets
All-Star Game MVP — Chris Paul, LA Clippers
Finals MVP — LeBron James, Miami Heat