Ranking the top Finals performances from Miami Heat role players
3. Mario Chalmers, Game 4 of 2012 Finals
In Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat clawed back from a 17-point deficit and lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 79-75 headed into the final quarter. Like Robinson and Miller, Chalmers also could not find his offense. Chalmers combined for 17 points on 22 shots through the first three games, shooting 31% from the floor (7 for 22).
But that did not rattle Chalmers, who kept shooting when the opportunity came to him, and this time, it paid off in a huge way. Through the first three quarters, Chalmers had 13 points, his best scoring outing of the series. But in the final quarter, Chalmers exploded when it was needed more than ever.
In the early stages of the fourth, Chalmers made his first three shots of the quarter, and the momentum carried over in the clutch. As the game headed into the final stretch, LeBron had to exit the game with 5:15 left as he was dealing with leg cramps.
James re-entered with 4:05 left and hit a huge 3-pointer to put Miami up 97-94. James was hobbling up and down the floor, and was unable to finish the game as he left the floor with 55.5 seconds left.
Up 99-96, Dwyane Wade swung the ball to Chalmers on the wing, who blew by Russell Westbrook and finished a tough layup over Serge Ibaka to give Miami breathing room and make it a two-possession game.
Chalmers then iced the game by hitting three free throws with seconds left to give Miami a decisive 3-1 lead over the Thunder. Chalmers finished with 25 points, which tied his postseason career high as he scored 25 in Game 3 vs Indiana in the second round.
The outburst from Chalmers was much needed, as Miami did not have an answer for Westbrook, who scored 43 points with 17 coming in the fourth. Chalmers had 12 points in the quarter, and scored the final five points for Miami.
This game was huge for Miami, as a loss would’ve required Miami to win another game in a tough OKC environment, as the Finals format during the time was 2-3-2. Instead, Game 5 was set up for Miami to finish the job, in which the ultimately did.
Second on the list comes from the 2013 NBA Finals vs the San Antonio Spurs. After an all-time classic Game 6, the Spurs and Heat produced another thriller in Game 7. With most remembering the jump-shooting arsenal LeBon James put on with the Spurs daring him to shoot, another player joined James to put Miami over the finish line.