Today was the first day the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs met with the media to discuss their Finals match-up.
Game one will tip off Thursday night at 9pm on ABC.
This is Miami’s third straight trip to the NBA Finals, winning it all last year against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LeBron James was swept back in the 2007 Finals by Tim Duncan and the Spurs. James was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and has grown a lot since that loss.
“I’ve lost enough, I’ve lost twice in the NBA Finals. I don’t need to lose anymore to gain motivation,” James said.
While the 4-time NBA MVP is one win away from securing his second title, he’s also one loss away from returning to ridicule.
A loss would make James (1-3) in the Finals, putting a dent in his legacy, something he says he doesn’t think about.
“I don’t play for my legacy, I play because I love the game,” James said.
“I will allow you guys to write my legacy,” he continued.
While James is better now then in ’07, the play of his surrounding cast will be in question like it was six years ago.
Dwayne Wade has only averaged 14 points per game during this years playoffs. Wade has admitted that lack of confidence and a knee injury have played a part in his struggle.
“There’s always moments where you question certain things,” Wade said.
“Doubts creep in, you have to fight them and get them out,” he continued.
Chris Bosh has struggled as well, something Wade touched on during his interview.
“We are neighbors, I spent the off days at his house discussing what we could do differently,” Wade said.
Wade and Bosh played better in game seven, helping Miami to its fourth Finals appearance in franchise history.
As for the Spurs, they haven’t won a title since they swept James and the Cavs in 2007.
While James’ legacy is always up for discussion, the quiet and reserved Tim Duncan has a chance to win his fifth NBA title.
“I don’t think about it now, maybe something I’ll look back on,” Duncan said.
At 37 years old Duncan made first team All-NBA for the first time since ’07, crediting his offseason nutrition.
“I dropped some weight, played less to give my knees a break and coach Pop (Popovich) has taken care of the rest with my minutes,” Duncan said.
For the past 15 years the Spurs have been the most consistent franchise in the NBA. Over that time a different Spur has carried the load. Now, it’s Tony Parker’s turn.
Parker was the Finals MVP in 2007 but now more then ever he’ll be the focal point of the Spurs offense.
“They may try and put LeBron on me to keep me out of the paint; teams have tried to put big guys on me. Il just have to adjust,” Parker said.
This series is going to be fun, try not to get caught up in the legacy talk and just enjoy the moment. Your about to watch two of the greatest players in NBA history on the biggest stage.
