Pacers vs. Heat Game 1: How LeBron James Performed After Winning 2012 NBA MVP

So, LeBron James is pretty good.

After being crowned with his third MVP trophy, King James showed the Indiana Pacers exactly why he's earned three of those shiny things during his career. 

LeBron was passive at times, aggressive at others and dominant when it mattered most. He finished the game with 32 points—16 in the decisive fourth quarter—as well as five assists and a ridiculous 15 rebounds. He also played suffocating D, limiting Pacers "star" Danny Granger to seven points on 1-of-10 shooting.

It was the quintessential performance from LeBron, who is clearly a man on a mission. After years of intense public scrutiny, he finally looks hell-bent on capturing his first NBA title.

Early on, it seemed as if his legions of haters would get what they tuned in to see. But after a somewhat lackadaisical first half, LeBron came out gunning in the second.

With Chris Bosh sidelined, James and Dwyane Wade took over, outscoring Indiana 42-38 by themselves in the second half. 

LeBron outmuscled every Indiana defender and relentlessly attacked the bucket down the stretch. He got into to the paint at will, earning numerous trips to the free-throw line and converting when he got there. He hit eight of 10 free throws on the day.

He was also dominant in the mid-range, using his height and smooth touch to kill the Pacers from 15-18 feet out. In the fourth quarter, he buried three jumpers from the left elbow, including a 15-foot dagger to seal the win with 31 seconds left.

Even more important than his offensive contributions, though, was the message he sent with his hustle and effort.

Like a true MVP, LeBron played every minute of the second half and accepted the extra burden when Bosh went out. He did the dirty work, snatching six offensive rebounds, and carried his team when they needed him most.

Say what you want about LeBron, but he definitely deserved the 2012 MVP.

If you disagree, then you're simply letting your hate cloud your judgement. As he proved yet again today, LeBron James is the best player on the planet.