LeBron James named NBA Finals MVP for 3rd time

By unanimous vote, LeBron James was named the 2016 NBA Finals MVP after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Golden State Warriors 93–89 in Game 7.

“This is what I came back for,” James said.

James finished the final game with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in 47 minutes. He knocked down the game-sealing free throw after falling hard in the final minute of the game.

James scored 41 points in Games 5 and 6 and came through with a triple-double, three blocks and two steals in Game 7, helping the Cavaliers overcome a 3–1 deficit for the first time in Finals history. He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the series.

This is James’s third Finals MVP and his third title. He has appeared in the Finals in six straight seasons.

James was overcome by emotion after the final horn. He’s the finals MVP for the third time, also winning in 2012 and 2013 when he was a member of the Miami Heat.

“Best player on the planet,” Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving said.

James became the third player to have a triple-double in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, joining Jerry West in 1969 and James Worthy in 1988.

“You see his basketball talent, the way he can control a game,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But the reason why he deserves this is because he has a great heart … and great things happen to great people.”

James is now 4-2 all-time in Game 7s, including 2-0 when those ultimate games come in the NBA Finals.