The 2011-12 Miami Heat season was a pivotal year for the franchise, culminating in an NBA Championship. After falling short in the 2011 NBA Finals, the Heat entered the lockout-shortened season focused and determined. The team was led by their “Big Three”: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, under the guidance of head coach Erik Spoelstra.
The Heat finished the regular season with a 46-20 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James had a standout year, earning the NBA MVP award by averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Miami’s season was characterized by a strong defensive presence and efficient offense, ranking fourth in the league in defensive rating.
In the playoffs, Miami dispatched the New York Knicks in five games during the first round. They faced a tougher challenge against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ultimately prevailing in six games. The Eastern Conference Finals saw the Heat overcome the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series, highlighted by LeBron James’ 45-point performance in Game 6.
The NBA Finals pitted Miami against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat secured their second NBA title by defeating the Thunder in five games. LeBron James was named Finals MVP, averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, solidifying his status as the league’s premier player. The 2011-12 season marked the beginning of a new era for the Miami Heat, with their success setting the stage for future triumphs.
- Regular Season Record: 46-20
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 4-1
Miami Heat Roster and Stats for 2011-12 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| LeBron James | 62 | 27.1 | 7.9 | 6.2 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 36.2 | 23 | 30.3 | 9.7 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 25.9 |
| Dwyane Wade | 49 | 22.1 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 26.8 | 23 | 22.8 | 5.2 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 29.4 |
| Chris Bosh | 57 | 18.0 | 7.9 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 28.6 | 14 | 14.0 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 53.8 |
| Mario Chalmers | 64 | 9.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 38.8 | 23 | 11.3 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 35.9 |
| Norris Cole | 65 | 6.8 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 27.6 | 19 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 25.0 |
| Mike Miller | 39 | 6.1 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 45.3 | 23 | 5.2 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 41.3 |
| Udonis Haslem | 64 | 6.0 | 7.3 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 22 | 4.8 | 6.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Shane Battier | 65 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 33.9 | 23 | 7.0 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 38.2 |
| Terrel Harris | 22 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 20.5 | 4 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| James Jones | 51 | 3.6 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 40.4 | 20 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 30.0 |
| Ronny Turiaf | 13 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 12 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Joel Anthony | 64 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 17 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Dexter Pittman | 35 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Eddy Curry | 14 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Juwan Howard | 28 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 9 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mickell Gladness | 8 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New York Knicks
In the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat, led by the formidable trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, faced off against the New York Knicks. The Heat dominated the series, winning 4-1, with LeBron delivering standout performances that showcased his scoring prowess and defensive versatility. This series victory set the tone for the Heat's strong playoff campaign, ultimately leading them to an NBA Championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 100-67 | |
| Apr 30, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-94 | |
| May 03, 2012 | @ New York Knicks | W 87-70 | |
| May 06, 2012 | @ New York Knicks | L 89-87 | |
| May 09, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 106-94 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Indiana Pacers
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat faced the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, overcoming initial setbacks to win the series 4-2. Despite Chris Bosh's abdominal injury, which sidelined him after Game 1, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade delivered dominant performances, especially in Games 4 and 6, showcasing their resilience and setting the stage for Miami's eventual championship run. The Heat's ability to adapt and rely on their superstar duo was pivotal in advancing past a physically imposing Pacers squad.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2012 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 95-86 | |
| May 15, 2012 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 78-75 | |
| May 17, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 94-75 | |
| May 20, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 101-93 | |
| May 22, 2012 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 115-83 | |
| May 24, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 105-93 |
2012 Conference Championship vs. Boston Celtics
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat showcased their resilience and championship pedigree in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. After falling behind 3-2 in the series, LeBron James delivered a legendary performance in Game 6, scoring 45 points and forcing a decisive Game 7, which the Heat won to secure their spot in the NBA Finals. This series highlighted the determination and talent of Miami's u0022Big Threeu0022 as they continued their quest for a championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 93-79 | |
| May 30, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 115-111 | |
| Jun 01, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | L 101-91 | |
| Jun 03, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | L 93-91 | |
| Jun 05, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 94-90 | |
| Jun 07, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | W 98-79 | |
| Jun 09, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 101-88 |
2012 NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
In the 2012 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games, securing the franchise's second championship. LeBron James delivered a dominant performance, earning the Finals MVP with averages of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. This victory marked a pivotal moment for James, solidifying his legacy with his first NBA title.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 2012 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 105-94 | |
| Jun 14, 2012 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 100-96 | |
| Jun 17, 2012 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 91-85 | |
| Jun 19, 2012 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 104-98 | |
| Jun 21, 2012 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 121-106 |
Miami Heat 2011-12 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2011-12 season for the Miami Heat.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2011 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 105-94 | |
| Dec 27, 2011 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 115-107 | |
| Dec 28, 2011 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 96-95 | |
| Dec 30, 2011 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 103-101 | |
| Jan 01, 2012 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 129-90 | |
| Jan 02, 2012 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 100-92 | |
| Jan 04, 2012 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 118-83 | |
| Jan 05, 2012 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 116-109 | |
| Jan 07, 2012 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 101-90 | |
| Jan 10, 2012 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 111-106 | |
| Jan 11, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 95-89 | |
| Jan 13, 2012 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 117-104 | |
| Jan 17, 2012 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 120-98 | |
| Jan 19, 2012 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 98-87 | |
| Jan 21, 2012 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 113-92 | |
| Jan 22, 2012 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 91-82 | |
| Jan 24, 2012 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 92-85 | |
| Jan 25, 2012 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 101-98 | |
| Jan 27, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 99-89 | |
| Jan 29, 2012 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 97-93 | |
| Jan 30, 2012 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 109-95 | |
| Feb 01, 2012 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 105-97 | |
| Feb 03, 2012 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 99-79 | |
| Feb 05, 2012 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 95-89 | |
| Feb 07, 2012 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 107-91 | |
| Feb 08, 2012 | @ Orlando Magic | L 102-89 | |
| Feb 10, 2012 | @ Washington Wizards | W 106-89 | |
| Feb 12, 2012 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 107-87 | |
| Feb 13, 2012 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 114-96 | |
| Feb 14, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 105-90 | |
| Feb 17, 2012 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 111-87 | |
| Feb 19, 2012 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 90-78 | |
| Feb 21, 2012 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 120-108 | |
| Feb 23, 2012 | vs. New York Knicks | W 102-88 | |
| Mar 01, 2012 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 107-93 | |
| Mar 02, 2012 | @ Utah Jazz | L 99-98 | |
| Mar 04, 2012 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 93-83 | |
| Mar 06, 2012 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 108-78 | |
| Mar 07, 2012 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 89-86 | |
| Mar 10, 2012 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 93-91 | |
| Mar 13, 2012 | @ Orlando Magic | L 104-98 | |
| Mar 14, 2012 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 106-102 | |
| Mar 16, 2012 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 84-78 | |
| Mar 18, 2012 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 91-81 | |
| Mar 20, 2012 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 99-95 | |
| Mar 23, 2012 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 88-73 | |
| Mar 25, 2012 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 103-87 | |
| Mar 26, 2012 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 105-90 | |
| Mar 29, 2012 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 106-85 | |
| Mar 30, 2012 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 113-101 | |
| Apr 01, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | L 91-72 | |
| Apr 03, 2012 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 99-93 | |
| Apr 04, 2012 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 98-93 | |
| Apr 06, 2012 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 97-82 | |
| Apr 08, 2012 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 98-75 | |
| Apr 10, 2012 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 115-107 | |
| Apr 12, 2012 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 96-86 | |
| Apr 13, 2012 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 105-82 | |
| Apr 15, 2012 | @ New York Knicks | W 93-85 | |
| Apr 16, 2012 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 101-98 | |
| Apr 18, 2012 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 96-72 | |
| Apr 19, 2012 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 83-72 | |
| Apr 21, 2012 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 86-84 | |
| Apr 22, 2012 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 97-88 | |
| Apr 24, 2012 | @ Boston Celtics | L 78-66 | |
| Apr 26, 2012 | @ Washington Wizards | L 104-70 |
