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Miami Heat: Top 10 greatest single-game performances in history

By Michael Shofner

INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 8: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat goes up for the layup against the Brooklyn Nets during game on April 8, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 8: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat goes up for the layup against the Brooklyn Nets during game on April 8, 2014 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No.9: LeBron James

May 12, 2014 vs. Brooklyn Nets
(Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals)

49 points (franchise playoff record) (16-24), (3-6 3PT), (14-19 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

In LeBron James’ final season with the Miami Heat, he led the team in several high volume scoring games throughout the year. This particular playoff performance was historically special for James for several reasons.

Miami faced off against the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and James put on a show in Game 4 by setting the franchise record with 49 points.

He passed the previous record held by Wade, who dropped an already impressive 46 points in 2010 against the Boston Celtics.

The mark also tied his own playoff best, which he achieved against the Orlando Magic as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009. With his Game 4 victory, he became the first player in the last 50 years to score at least 49 points in a playoff game with two different franchises.

Two nights later in Miami, James played a vital role on the defensive side as he made a game-saving steal against Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson. The Heat finished off the series in five games. Unfortunately though, after defeating the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat would fall in five games to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

After James’ departure, the Heat has since made several playoff appearances, but obviously no player has yet to come close to his franchise playoff scoring mark of 49 points.

James’ impressive franchise setting mark absolutely deserves a place on the list of the greatest individual Heat games of all-time.

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