LeBron James is currently playing in his 23rd NBA season, which is the most seasons any player has ever logged in the league. Over this long career, he has starred for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers and even returned to Cleveland for a second stint.

Across these years, he has faced countless high-pressure moments, and one of the most intense of those nights has just been revisited by one of his former coaches.

One of LeBron James’ Intense Moments Has Been Revealed

In a recent episode of the “Hoop Genius” podcast, host Mo Mooncey asked former Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale about the mood in the locker room before Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and the Boston Celtics.

If we see that the Heat were down 3-2 in the series, many fans remember that game as one of the greatest performances of James’ career. But few knew what he was like before tip-off.

Fizdale explained that the atmosphere had already become tense because of something Paul Pierce had said earlier. He shared that even between himself and James, the usual easy conversations were not there.

“For 2 days, LeBron really hadn’t said a word. His responses were [head nods & swivels]… He did not talk to anybody… He wanted to get at Paul Pierce so bad… I asked D-Wade, ‘Is he alright?’… He goes, ‘Oh, he ready.’… I went down to Spo and said, ‘If this feels like I think it feels, stay out of the way, bro,’” said Fizdale during the podcast.

If we see that Fizdale began his coaching career in 1998 as an assistant coach at the University of San Diego, his alma mater, where he worked until 2002. He then spent time at Fresno State before making his way to the NBA. In 2008, Fizdale joined the Miami Heat coaching staff under head coach Erik Spoelstra.

James’ mental approach was clearly visible in Game 6. He stayed calm before the storm and let his game do all the talking. That focus paid off in a big way.

James went on to deliver one of the greatest playoff performances ever as he scored 45 points, which was the most points scored by any player in that game. Dwyane Wade supported him with 17 points, while the Celtics struggled to keep up. Paul Pierce managed only nine points, and Kevin Garnett added just 12.

Miami took control early, as they were leading by 10 points after the first quarter and by 13 points at halftime. In the second half, the Heat scored 43 points. The Celtics had no answer, and Miami secured a (98–79) win.

Miami went on to win the series and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat defeated OKC in five games, and James finally captured the first championship of his career.