• NBA Finals, Game 5

LeBron finally reaches promised land with first title

LeBron James was named Finals MVP © Getty Images

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Full coverage on ESPN.com | Oklahoma City Thunder 106-121 Miami Heat

LeBron James was named Finals MVP as he ended his long wait for an NBA title on Thursday, after leading the Miami Heat to a 4-1 series victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Two years on from his highly controversial decision to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that drafted him but where he failed to win a title, James was the star of the show as Miami won the 2012 title, securing it with a 121-106 victory over the Thunder at the American Airlines Arena.

It was a contest that was never in doubt after a 27-7 run of points for the Heat opened their lead to 88-63 midway through the third quarter. James, who had 26 points on the night and averaged just over 26 for the series, was withdrawn from the game during the fourth quarter - kicking off celebrations that would hit full swing when time expired.

"I wanted to become a champion someday," James said. "I didn't know exactly when it would happen, but I put in a lot of hard work.

"I'm happy now that eight years later, nine years later since I've been drafted, that I can finally say that I'm a champion, and I did it the right way.

"You know, I put a lot of hard work and dedication in it, and hard work pays off. It's a great moment for myself."

After losing last year's Finals in abject fashion to the Dallas Mavericks, the triumph was especially sweet for coach Erik Spoelstra, who had been questioned incessantly about his suitability to lead the Heat.

"We remember last year," Spoelstra said. "This is for the fans. We love you Miami!"

There was disappointment for the Thunder, however. Talisman Kevin Durant had 32 points on the night as he tried to keep his team in it, but could not help but cry as he walked back to the dressing rooms following the defeat.

"It hurts, man," Durant said. "We're all brothers on this team and it just hurts to go out like this. We made it to the Finals, which was cool for us, but we didn't want to just make it there. Unfortunately we lost, so it's tough."

For James, however, it was a moment of sweet vindication. After being drafted the No. 1 overall pick by Cleveland in 2003, the forward was dogged by accusations that he lacked heart or the right competitive edge as he came up short in the playoffs time and time again - despite his obvious athletic gifts.

The decision to leave for Miami - to join up with fellow stars Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade - led to a widespread backlash against the player, but victory on Thursday night offered some vindication for the decision, especially after one of the greatest all-round performances in Finals series history.

When asked for his first thoughts on becoming an NBA champion, James joked: "It's about damn time."

He later added: "I did it the right way; I didn't short-cut anything. It's the hardest thing I've ever done."

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