Predictions and arguments aside, this is shaping up to be one of the lackluster NBA Finals to date. However, this might be one of the greatest basketball rivalries to ever materialize in sometime. LeBron James vs. the San Antonio Spurs, round 2.
It won’t be pretty and it definitely won’t be flashy. We’re talking about watching drag-down-knock-out basketball between two totally different teams in all aspects of the game. Since 2007, LeBron has been on an unbelievable tear – four MVPs, a championship, and a Gold Medal in international competition but now James faces one more challenge: Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs.
For nearly a decade-and-a-half, our favorite players have been either outclassed or just plain worn out by the fundamentally-sound Spurs, including LeBron James. As of right now, this current Miami squad faces up against this (seemingly) rejuvenated Spurs team, and will not repeat this season.
Manu Ginobili who is a gold medalist in his own right, Tony Parker a potential MVP candidate at one point, and the greatest power forward to ever play the game in Tim Duncan, embark on what I think will be one-last-go-round as a dynastic unit, as they look to prove that age doesn’t mean a thing in today’s game. Along with the infusion of youth and the use of the pick and roll, this looks like a franchise with history in its sights.
One more roadblock for LeBron and the Heat. I assure you, the frustration that could set in for this organization for a long time to come. Just like how the Bulls and the Lakers dominated the NBA under Phil Jackson, Popovich and the Spurs’ big 3 will prove to be more than a challenge to LeBron and the Heat.