LeBron James and the Cavs took a beating from the Spurs in 2007 Finals, and it took all of two minutes for the media to remind the reigning MVP.
James' answer: "I'm 20, 40, 50 times better than I was in the '07 Finals."
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This isn't exactly bulletin board material. The Spurs have never fed off that, but those comments seem to indicate that LeBron has a chip on his shoulder.
LeBron struggled big time in the 2007 Finals. The Spurs smothered him defensively and relegated him to a jump shooter.
James averaged 22 PPG, shot 35 percent from the floor and 20 percent from 3-point range in that series. It's wishful thinking that will happen again.
James is on a tear. His outside game has greatly improved and he is the most efficient player in the game.
Against a very good Pacers defense, LeBron shot 51 percent from the floor and made 44 percent of his 3-pointers.
The maturity level is also a marked improvement. James admits the Cavs were outmatched, out coached and outplayed in every way possible in 2007.
It was his first time on the NBA's big stage and the Spurs taught him a lesson.
Defending LeBron will always be a challenge. The Spurs got it right in 2007 and I can't wait to see what they have in store for James this time around.
Kawhi gets the initial assignment, but these playoffs have shown the Spurs can make the adjustments needed to contain the other team's key player. See Curry, Steph and Randolph, Zach.
It will be great theater, and by all accounts it appears LeBron has been waiting for another crack at the Spurs on the big stage.