The 2013 NBA Finals are set, the Miami Heat will take on the San Antonio Spurs. In 2007 LeBron James got swept by the Spurs as a Cleveland Cavalier.
“I told him we will meet in the Finals again,” Tim Duncan said to James after the sweep.
James is quoted as saying he’s “50 times better” now; there is no question about that. However, will he find himself doing it all like he was trying in 07′?
While I’m done questioning if LeBron has what it takes to win, I am curious if the other members of the “big 3” are up for the challenge.
Both Wade and Bosh are struggling this postseason, neither one is making excuses but both have nagging injuries.
I’m picking the Heat in five, mainly because of James. This series match-up favors Miami.
In their past series, the Pacers post play, aggressiveness and offensive rebounding really hurt the defending champs.
The Spurs have more finesse and want to get up and down the floor, something Miami will love.
San Antonio will need to protect the basketball and keep Miami from transition baskets. The Heat thrive on easy buckets.
In 2007, James made 24-for-36 shots inside the restricted area at the basket against the Spurs, but was 8-for-54 from everywhere else, including 4-for-27 on mid-range shots and 4-for-20 on three-pointers.
That has drastically changed. James is shooting 52% from the field while averaging over 26 points per game this postseason.
While his statistics are much better it’s LeBron’s mindset that has really helped him reach this pinnacle of success.
“Ever since I lost the Finals to Dallas, my mind frame changed that off-season,” James said. “I just wanted to get back to playing the game that I love and have fun and play it at a high level.”
“I just went back to the basics. I went back home. I went back to Ohio. I worked out with my high school coach. I went back to my high school gym and just put myself in the mindset of what made me fall in love with the game. And it’s because I had a lot of fun with it.”
The NBA Finals tips off Thursday night in Miami at 9pm on ABC.
