Top 5 NBA stories of 2012

From LeBron James' victory parade to the soap opera that is Dwight Howard to the return of basketball to Brooklyn, there were a lot of major headlines that highlighted the NBA in 2012.

But none topped a Cinderella-like story that grabbed everyone's attention from New York City to the Far East.

Here are the best of the best from the NBA this year. – By Marc J. Spears

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2. LeBron James finally wins NBA championship – Ever since James announced he would "take [his] talents to South Beach," he became Public Enemy No. 1, not just in Cleveland, but around the NBA. The Heat's loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2010 Finals was celebrated, not so much for what the Mavericks accomplished, but for what James didn't. The loss humbled James, who entered the 2011-12 season much more aggressive and physical. He played at ... more
2. LeBron James finally wins NBA championship – Ever since James announced he would "take [his] talents to South Beach," he became Public Enemy No. 1, not just in Cleveland, but around the NBA. The Heat's loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2010 Finals was celebrated, not so much for what the Mavericks accomplished, but for what James didn't. The loss humbled James, who entered the 2011-12 season much more aggressive and physical. He played at an MVP level and, more importantly, led the Heat past the Oklahoma City Thunder to win his first-ever NBA championship. less