Coming off the disappointment of the 2011 NBA Finals, the HEAT entered the 2012 season determined to make amends.
And even though the team would have to wait a little longer to get going due to the lockout, they kicked off the season with a 105-94 win over the Mavs on Christmas Day and never looked back. In particular, LeBron James had one of the most efficient years of his career and eventually won his third MVP award.
After going through some grueling playoff battles with the Pacers and Celtics (mostly without Chris Bosh), Miami got back to the Finals and matched up with the young and supremely talented Oklahoma City Thunder.