Miami Heat: How LeBron James Snatched the MVP Award from Kevin Durant

LeBron James and the Miami Heat understood the importance of their final regular season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder embarrassed the Heat in their first regular season meeting 103-87.

LeBron James only contributed 17 points, while watching OKC's superstar Kevin Durant have his most complete game of the season. Durant tallied 28 points and 8 assists, but more importantly lead his team to a huge statement win against a likely foe in the postseason.

LeBron James' subpar game coupled with the Thunder's huge win seemed to take the NBA MVP award out of James' hands overnight.

Last night, James got another opportunity to take on Durant in Miami. This time James brought his best game. He did not exhibit any of the apathy that seemed to plague him in the first matchup. LeBron was aggressive from start to finish.

He not only carried the load offensively for his team, but quieted Kevin Durant just enough in the final minutes to bring a Heat victory.

James finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, as Miami defeated Oklahoma City 98-93.

In the process James may have secured his third MVP trophy.

LeBron James is having one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history. In order for Kevin Durant to spoil it, he had to deliver the knockout punch on Wednesday night.

KD played a great game but was ultimately bested by James.

The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder will likely finish with virtually the same record. Therefore, the deciding factor against Durant may be the last image on voters minds—James out-dueling Durant. 

LeBron played brilliantly and got his team a great win.

In the process, he also swayed many people back into his corner for MVP.

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