NBA Playoffs 2012: When Will LeBron James Get the Credit He Deserves?

It was a spectacular showing. After all the criticism of not being clutch, LeBron James took his talents to Boston in a big way.

James had 30 points in the first half alone. The scary part is that he only missed two shots in the half, going 12 for 14 from the field. On this night, no defender in the league could stop James. 

Not when he has that look in his eyes. Not when he's on a mission.

On the brink of elimination, James shot better than 85 percent from the floor in the first half. On this night, almost every shot seemed to fall for the Miami Heat star.

It seemed almost Jordan-like. With solid contributions from Dwyane Wade with 17 points, James only needed himself on this night. He showed the league and the world that he's truly deserving of the MVP.

He was only four points shy of his playoff career-high. With so many amazing games with the Cleveland Cavaliers against teams like these Boston Celtics, the Atlanta Hawks and the Detroit Pistons, James demonstrated that he still shows up in the big games. 

With these types of performances, how does this man still not get the credit he deserves? Until he wins a ring, it appears there will still will be doubters.

But it won't phase James.

It's no secret that LeBron has had his fourth quarter woes. But for the numbers he puts up on a daily basis, he should get more credit. 

If the Heat did end up losing this game, there were many questions in South Beach—from the future of the Big Three to the future of coach Erik Spoelstra—but James made sure that the Heat live to play another game.

In 45 minutes of play, James was able to put up 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. 

If you didn't respect his performance in game 6, I don't know what to say. It was miraculous from beginning to end. He only missed seven shots, shooting 19 for 26 from the field. 

The facts are the facts, however. He still doesn't have the one piece of jewelry that he needs to get the credit he deserves: a championship ring.

With performances like tonight's, LeBron James may not be too far off.