Heat vs. Celtics: Game 6 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

So, that LeBron James guy is pretty good.

The 2012 NBA MVP raised a proverbial middle finger to his legions of critics, dropping 45 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 98-78 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6. James also added 15 rebounds and five assists in 45 minutes of action.

It was one of the most beautiful displays of furious basketball I have ever seen, as LeBron was an unstoppable machine from start to finish.

On the other side, the Celtics got an absolutely terrible effort from Paul Pierce. Despite being a Hall of Famer and a champion, Pierce scored just nine points on 4-of-18 shooting. In a close-out game with an NBA Finals berth on the line, that type of performance from a 10-time All-Star is simply pathetic.

If the Celtics are going to have any chance in Game 7, Pierce will need to be much better.

Tweets of the Night

With LeBron completely dominating the Celtics in the first half, Bleacher Report's lead MLB writer Zachary Rymer had a good suggestion for his teammates.

"

LeBron should be getting the no-hitter treatment right now. Don't even look at him.

— Zachary D. Rymer (@zachrymer) June 8, 2012"

The always-hilarious Not Bill Walton offered up his own suggestion, this time in regards to LeBron and his receding hairline.

"

Glad to see LeBron is in "put up or shut up" mode. Just wish he would also get in "don't save it just shave it" mode too.

— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) June 8, 2012"

Despite LeBron's all-time great performance, Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley says he's not the toughest guy in the league to defend.

"

RT @adrummond23: @JaredDudley619 is LeBron the toughest player you have had to guard? ( No, Kobe and Durant)

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) June 8, 2012"

As Brian Windhorst of ESPN pointed out, this wasn't the first great game of the series from LeBron. It should also be noted that he tweeted this before the end of the third quarter.

"

Another 30-point, 10-rebound game for LeBron. 3rd in series.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 8, 2012"

To conclude our series of LeBron tweets, I give you this beautiful stat from ESPN's Tom Haberstroh, who tweeted it early in the fourth quarter.

"

LeBron has 41. Rondo has 21, KG has 12, Pierce has 8 ... yep, 41.

— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 8, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

The highlight of the night goes to James, who threw down this nasty putback dunk in the second quarter.

Grades for Key Celtics Players

Rajon Rondo: B+

Rondo proved once again that he's the best player on the Celtics, keeping them somewhat close as LeBron went off. Rondo finished with 21 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. Unfortunately, he also had seven turnovers.

Kevin Garnett: C-

Garnett was decent, but 12 points and five rebounds simply isn't going to cut it. Given Garnett's intense competitiveness, I'm expecting a monster game from him on Saturday.

Grades for Key Heat Players

LeBron James: A+

Words cannot describe how good LeBron was in Game 6. He scored in every conceivable way, draining threes, floaters, awkward bank shots, fadeaways and any other shot you could possibly imagine.

It was one of the all-time great playoff performances.

Dwyane Wade: C

Once again, Wade struggled with his shot, hitting just 6-of-17 field goals. Although he finished with just 17 points, he made a few critical plays in the second half to bury the Celtics.

MVP: LeBron James

Was there any question about who this would be?

LeBron was magical from start to finish, delivering a legendary performance that should remind everyone that he's still the best basketball player on the planet.

What's Next?

Game 7 will be Saturday in Miami. Tipoff is shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET and ESPN will have the coverage.