After supporting the HEAT all the way into the finals for a 4-1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami had much to celebrate after Thursday night’s win when the HEAT were named the 2012 NBA Champions. The celebrations started on Miami’s home court immediately following Game 5 and continued straight through the weekend, ending right back where it all started at the American Airlines Arena.
The chances of a team coming back from a 3-1deficit are slim in finals history and the HEAT further confirmed that fact with nearly a 20-point lead throughout the second half of Game 5. The celebrations started on the court with LeBron James and Head Coach Erik Spoelstra sharing an embrace in celebration of their first title.
Around 3 a.m., the HEAT players headed to LIV at the Fontainebleau where they continued the party while sporting “Team No Sleep” shirts and championship hats. James, Wade, Howard, Battier and Cole kicked off the celebration and were joined later by Coach Spoelstra, team owner Micky Arison and teammate Chris Bosh. And if the entire HEAT franchise being in attendance isn’t enough, the evening also included a surprise performance by LMFAO. All in all, the HEAT racked up a $200,000 tab over the course of the evening.
And in true “Team No Sleep” form, LeBron James returned to LIV the following night with DJ Irie while Shane Battier enjoyed drinks at Foxhole with friends. But while the rest of the team seemed to be oddly missing (no doubt having a brief moment of recovery) on Friday, Pat Riley and Micky Arison were seen dining at The Bazaar by José Andrés at the all-new SLS Hotel, where they were greeted by cheering fans.
On Saturday night, Bamboo welcomed “Big Three” trio James, Bosh and Wade with a Divine Delicacies cake replica of the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy in tow. Emblazoned with sparklers, the nearly 5ft. cake also included a miniature jersey for each of the players.
And the celebration continued at Bamboo’s well-attended Prestige Sundays, hosted by Dwyane Wade. Also in attendance were the Rileys, the Arisons and Wade’s girlfriend Gabrielle Union.
Finally, after a weekend of champagne, confetti and HEAT memorabilia everywhere in sight, the festivities called fans from every corner of the city to the American Airlines Arena for a Championship Parade this morning. Players and coaches rode through the crowded streets of Miami on double-decker buses while thanking the crowds of fans for their ongoing support.
For pictures from this weekend’s HEAT celebration click here.
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