Exactly. Precisely because of Pop. They said the only one who could stop MJ was MJ. The only one who can stop LBJ is Pop.
New Album & The Beginning of Basketball Season
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He's as good a defensive coach as there is in the league. They can play shutdown w/o a legit big man in the middle.
Tested formula of the Heat - stars take less money, even lesser money, hire those 'losers' that nobody wants, and shake the league once again. 
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ny-in-free-agency/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs
Report: Heat officials and players planning ‘ambitious run’ at Carmelo Anthony in free agency
Brett Pollakoff
Jun 11, 2014, 8:14 PM EDT
8 Comments
Miami Heat v New York Knicks Miami Heat v New York Knicks
The Heat’s core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has something important in common with Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks once this season is finished: Every single one of them can opt out of the final year of their contract to become an unrestricted free agent.
In Anthony’s case, he has to consider whether or not to hold off on doing so, in order to try to help the Knicks rebuild more quickly by giving them financial flexibility to acquire some big name free agents in 2015.
As for the Heat’s Big Three, they might all opt out to restructure their deals in order to create the cap space necessary to add one more superstar to the mix — and Anthony might be right at the top of their list.
From Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN.com:
Sources told ESPN.com that Heat officials and the team’s leading players have already started to explore their options for creating sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run at adding New York Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony this summer in free agency.
The mere concept would require the star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to all opt out of their current contracts by the end of the month and likely take further salary reductions in new deals that start next season to give Miami the ability to offer Anthony a representative first-year salary. The Heat also are prevented from making any formal contact with Anthony until July 1 and can then only if he opts out of the final year of his current contract. …
Sources say internal conversations within the Heat organization about pursuing this course have run concurrently with Miami’s bid to win a third consecutive championship, with sources adding that James in particular is likely to try to recoup potential salary sacrificed through fresh off-court business opportunities if the Heat’s new dream scenario does come to fruition.
James is reportedly the one most likely to agree to a pay cut in this scenario, having just made more than $30 million from Apple’s recent purchase of Beats Electronics.
From Anthony’s perspective, this may be his last chance at a four-year (non-Knicks) max contract. It’s unclear if the Heat would go that far, but if winning is truly his priority, it’s hard to come up with a situation that would provide a better chance of it than teaming up with a Miami squad that’s now in its fourth straight season of reaching the NBA Finals.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is just one of many scenarios possible, and we’ll certainly be flooded with plenty more before the July 1 free agency period is upon us. Because if Anthony is willing to take less money to play in his ideal situation, the options are almost limitless — even though none may ultimately be more appealing than playing alongside the game’s best player in his prime, for an organization that’s proven capable of continually competing for championships.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ny-in-free-agency/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs
Report: Heat officials and players planning ‘ambitious run’ at Carmelo Anthony in free agency
Brett Pollakoff
Jun 11, 2014, 8:14 PM EDT
8 Comments
Miami Heat v New York Knicks Miami Heat v New York Knicks
The Heat’s core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has something important in common with Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks once this season is finished: Every single one of them can opt out of the final year of their contract to become an unrestricted free agent.
In Anthony’s case, he has to consider whether or not to hold off on doing so, in order to try to help the Knicks rebuild more quickly by giving them financial flexibility to acquire some big name free agents in 2015.
As for the Heat’s Big Three, they might all opt out to restructure their deals in order to create the cap space necessary to add one more superstar to the mix — and Anthony might be right at the top of their list.
From Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN.com:
Sources told ESPN.com that Heat officials and the team’s leading players have already started to explore their options for creating sufficient financial flexibility to make an ambitious run at adding New York Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony this summer in free agency.
The mere concept would require the star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to all opt out of their current contracts by the end of the month and likely take further salary reductions in new deals that start next season to give Miami the ability to offer Anthony a representative first-year salary. The Heat also are prevented from making any formal contact with Anthony until July 1 and can then only if he opts out of the final year of his current contract. …
Sources say internal conversations within the Heat organization about pursuing this course have run concurrently with Miami’s bid to win a third consecutive championship, with sources adding that James in particular is likely to try to recoup potential salary sacrificed through fresh off-court business opportunities if the Heat’s new dream scenario does come to fruition.
James is reportedly the one most likely to agree to a pay cut in this scenario, having just made more than $30 million from Apple’s recent purchase of Beats Electronics.
From Anthony’s perspective, this may be his last chance at a four-year (non-Knicks) max contract. It’s unclear if the Heat would go that far, but if winning is truly his priority, it’s hard to come up with a situation that would provide a better chance of it than teaming up with a Miami squad that’s now in its fourth straight season of reaching the NBA Finals.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is just one of many scenarios possible, and we’ll certainly be flooded with plenty more before the July 1 free agency period is upon us. Because if Anthony is willing to take less money to play in his ideal situation, the options are almost limitless — even though none may ultimately be more appealing than playing alongside the game’s best player in his prime, for an organization that’s proven capable of continually competing for championships.
I don't see how Carmelo could think of himself as a winner if he joined Lebron and Co and won a championship, but it's all just another rumor with little substantiation at this point. And of course, Carmelo might not see it my way
Reggie Miller's comment when Lebron James joined D Wade was that was that it was the last thing he'd ever do - he'd never consider joining Michael Jordan when he played -- he wanted to beat Michael Jordan. Different eras.
Reggie Miller's comment when Lebron James joined D Wade was that was that it was the last thing he'd ever do - he'd never consider joining Michael Jordan when he played -- he wanted to beat Michael Jordan. Different eras.
I don't see how Carmelo could think of himself as a winner if he joined Lebron and Co and won a championship, but it's all just another rumor with little substantiation at this point. And of course, Carmelo might not see it my way
Reggie Miller's comment when Lebron James joined D Wade was that was that it was the last thing he'd ever do - he'd never consider joining Michael Jordan when he played -- he wanted to beat Michael Jordan. Different eras.
That's just about the way James became a winner, by joining Wade and company.
And James' talents, to me, were far superior in his 7 or 8 year reign in Cleveland than Melo's in Denver. I was looking at the 2008 Celtics championship DVD the other day and saw a recap of the Eastern semi-finals between the Cavs and the C's. James' performance was very much like now (though here and there he improved some angles in his game), and he took the would be champs C's to 7 games and with a dunk, and was within 1 point in the closing minutes of Game 7. He was already 'great', maybe 'greatest' player in the NBA but in a couple of years moved ship. He couldn't wait for a Kyrie Irving to arrive just as MJ 'waited' for Pippen to arrive. Though in doing that, James inadvertently created a new found motivation of silencing his critics with a bombshell game after each loss and bashing. He now handles media questions after a loss very well. Now, as Doc said a few years ago, it's time to put to rest all claims that LeBron is a loser. 
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
There will be a change of ther guard finally this year. The Spurs are an amazing team. They learned from last year. When's the last time Heat have lost 2 playoff games in a row at home?
Clearly the difference in this series has been Kawhi Leonard. If he isn't the Finals MVP, there is no justice
The Heat look totally confused and the crowd has been taken out of the game completely
Clearly the difference in this series has been Kawhi Leonard. If he isn't the Finals MVP, there is no justice
The Heat look totally confused and the crowd has been taken out of the game completely
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I would like it to be the next game... I must say that we may be witnessing the emergence of a great player: Leonard has been The difference in this series. A player for whom the Heat have not yet found the answer. Most vexing, he is good at both ends of the floor. His defense is extremely good and his offense a welcomed surprise for most basketball fans. This kid can play ... and who else to find a way to land him on their roster? The Spurs. Is Popovitch their GM as well? One stealthy Front Office, you rarely hear about them yet they have been an elite organization for many years/decade. Who's the owner? I have the feeling he/she is as withdrawn as The Big Fundamental... One can only say : Wow , they deserve it if they win it, which is is more than likely.
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Keeping our fingers crossed and trust in Pop, I really hope the Spurs can win it all. They deserve all the wins so far but 4 wins win the series. Good thing I'm not reading or hearing any more LeBron bashing. It's all a good concerted team effort by the Spurs and the boldness and craftiness of Pop to adjust his lineup and put Boris Diaw in the starting lineup the last 2 games which changed the look of the series. Recall that Pop inserted Bonner in the OKC series as Splitter's presence was clogging the paint for Duncan and Bonner's outside shooting threat freed up the lane indeed. I remember in one Spurs' title clincher, player Avery Johnson was heaping all praise to Pop, he kept repeating Pop's name. Leonard was an interesting acquisition. He was actually drafted by the Pacers but apparently the Spurs and the Pacers GMs had a previous understanding to swap Leonard with the George Hill. The Spurs's GM is RC Buford, and he has 4 rings with the Spurs, 3 as GM. His closeness with Pop has made their tandem one of the most durable coach/GM in the NBA. And how bout a big hand for Patty Mills. Wooh!!! Love this guy's hustle and energy, and shooting! Six footer with a big heart. 14 points in Game 4. I always believe a championship team needs an unheralded but great performing player like Mills. One more win!
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Yeah, he looks under though I relied on the yahoo roster stats.
His hustle play in Game 3 was a favorite of my son. Where he kinda fell down to take a charge, while falling down, he saw the ball was loose, stood up on his feet again even before he could totally hit he floor, tapped the loose ball to his teammate and result was a fastbreak basket.
Hi
THis has been an uncharacteristic Heat team though. THey looked confused and beaten, not their usual confident "it ain't over 'til it's over" selves. Lebron play ahs been exemplary as per his usual but the team is out of synch. They seem to rely on Lebron heroics too much. He will drive to the basket, be defended by Leonard (who's doing an excellent job on him BTW) and no one will cut to open or create the passing lane for him. Chalmers and Wade were that kind of outlet: if you guarded LBJ too tight, they would be the recipient of an excellent pass for an easy score .. This hasn't been there... It could also be that Pop is confusing them to death... I may need to re-watch those games
THis has been an uncharacteristic Heat team though. THey looked confused and beaten, not their usual confident "it ain't over 'til it's over" selves. Lebron play ahs been exemplary as per his usual but the team is out of synch. They seem to rely on Lebron heroics too much. He will drive to the basket, be defended by Leonard (who's doing an excellent job on him BTW) and no one will cut to open or create the passing lane for him. Chalmers and Wade were that kind of outlet: if you guarded LBJ too tight, they would be the recipient of an excellent pass for an easy score .. This hasn't been there... It could also be that Pop is confusing them to death... I may need to re-watch those games
Maybe Mills is playing in Skechers
Like this guy, Jack? If somebody dives for a ball or cheetah like that, he's good.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Sources: Carmelo Anthony leaning toward leaving Knicks; Bulls, Rockets in contention
By Adrian Wojnarowski
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is leaning toward leaving in pursuit of immediate championship contention, and awaits the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets to clear the necessary salary-cap space to sign him in free agency, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
As re-signing with the Knicks continues to fade as his priority, Chicago and Houston have emerged as the clear frontrunners to acquire Anthony, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Anthony's meeting with Knicks officials on Friday night had little impact on his state of mind, league sources said, because there remain too many uncertainties about how quickly president Phil Jackson can reshape the team into a championship contender.
Chicago and Houston front-office executives are working diligently on contingencies to clear the space to sign Anthony outright – or engage sign-and-trade scenarios with New York, sources said.
"His heart is in New York," one source familiar with Anthony's thinking told Yahoo Sports, "but he wants a chance to win now."
Jackson has turned off Anthony with his public proclamations of wanting the seven-time All-Star forward to take less money to stay with New York, league sources said.
Around Anthony and the NBA, there's some doubt about whether Jackson truly wants to keep him on a five-year, $120 million-plus extension, or simply is giving the appearance for public relations' sake. Jackson has been somewhat cavalier in his public declarations of wanting Anthony to stay, and it's been noticed.
Anthony has said he's willing to take less than the maximum-allowable contract, but league sources said that involves situations where he can be shown how his financial concessions can result in the immediate acquisition or retention of talent. Anthony hasn't expressed interest in taking less for hypothetical signings in 2015 or '16, as New York wants him to do, sources said.
Anthony isn't as concerned over a novice head coach in Derek Fisher as he is a roster barren of assets and talent to move toward contention.
Anthony, 30, has been intrigued with the chance to join the Bulls for several months, but Houston has gathered significant momentum as a preferred destination for him, league sources said.
For Chicago to make its bid for Anthony, it will need to amnesty the contract of Carlos Boozer and unload forward Taj Gibson and at least one more player. The Bulls could enjoy an easier path to the NBA Finals than Houston, which competes in the much stronger Western Conference. Anthony has an affinity for Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, but ultimately Anthony must also weigh in his decision the future health of guard Derrick Rose.
Houston has Dwight Howard and James Harden prepared to recruit Anthony as the third star in a championship chase. The Rockets need to shed the contracts of Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to clear most of the space to sign Anthony to a max contract. Because those players are moving into the expiring year of their contracts, they could potentially appeal to New York in sign-and-trade scenarios that would deliver Anthony his full max contract of four years, $90 million-plus.
In trade talks, New York has told teams it doesn't want to take on contracts beyond the summer of 2015, although Asik, a center, could ultimately be a player the Knicks would want to sign long-term. There's a market for Asik to be traded into salary-cap space elsewhere for draft considerations, but Houston may have to package a draft pick to move Lin.
The Rockets have the flexibility to sell Anthony on a full-max contract in the range of $22 million-$23 million per year, or can offer him the chance to keep teammates like Chandler Parsons, Patrick Beverley and Terrence Jones on the roster by accepting less money on the deal. Nevertheless, most scenarios that would hold the Rockets' nucleus together would still find Anthony with a starting annually salary in the range of $19 million, league sources said.
Anthony plans to opt out of the final year of his contract – which would've paid him $23 million for next season – and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He averaged 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds on 45 percent shooting for the Knicks last season.
By Adrian Wojnarowski
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is leaning toward leaving in pursuit of immediate championship contention, and awaits the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets to clear the necessary salary-cap space to sign him in free agency, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
As re-signing with the Knicks continues to fade as his priority, Chicago and Houston have emerged as the clear frontrunners to acquire Anthony, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Anthony's meeting with Knicks officials on Friday night had little impact on his state of mind, league sources said, because there remain too many uncertainties about how quickly president Phil Jackson can reshape the team into a championship contender.
Chicago and Houston front-office executives are working diligently on contingencies to clear the space to sign Anthony outright – or engage sign-and-trade scenarios with New York, sources said.
"His heart is in New York," one source familiar with Anthony's thinking told Yahoo Sports, "but he wants a chance to win now."
Jackson has turned off Anthony with his public proclamations of wanting the seven-time All-Star forward to take less money to stay with New York, league sources said.
Around Anthony and the NBA, there's some doubt about whether Jackson truly wants to keep him on a five-year, $120 million-plus extension, or simply is giving the appearance for public relations' sake. Jackson has been somewhat cavalier in his public declarations of wanting Anthony to stay, and it's been noticed.
Anthony has said he's willing to take less than the maximum-allowable contract, but league sources said that involves situations where he can be shown how his financial concessions can result in the immediate acquisition or retention of talent. Anthony hasn't expressed interest in taking less for hypothetical signings in 2015 or '16, as New York wants him to do, sources said.
Anthony isn't as concerned over a novice head coach in Derek Fisher as he is a roster barren of assets and talent to move toward contention.
Anthony, 30, has been intrigued with the chance to join the Bulls for several months, but Houston has gathered significant momentum as a preferred destination for him, league sources said.
For Chicago to make its bid for Anthony, it will need to amnesty the contract of Carlos Boozer and unload forward Taj Gibson and at least one more player. The Bulls could enjoy an easier path to the NBA Finals than Houston, which competes in the much stronger Western Conference. Anthony has an affinity for Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, but ultimately Anthony must also weigh in his decision the future health of guard Derrick Rose.
Houston has Dwight Howard and James Harden prepared to recruit Anthony as the third star in a championship chase. The Rockets need to shed the contracts of Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to clear most of the space to sign Anthony to a max contract. Because those players are moving into the expiring year of their contracts, they could potentially appeal to New York in sign-and-trade scenarios that would deliver Anthony his full max contract of four years, $90 million-plus.
In trade talks, New York has told teams it doesn't want to take on contracts beyond the summer of 2015, although Asik, a center, could ultimately be a player the Knicks would want to sign long-term. There's a market for Asik to be traded into salary-cap space elsewhere for draft considerations, but Houston may have to package a draft pick to move Lin.
The Rockets have the flexibility to sell Anthony on a full-max contract in the range of $22 million-$23 million per year, or can offer him the chance to keep teammates like Chandler Parsons, Patrick Beverley and Terrence Jones on the roster by accepting less money on the deal. Nevertheless, most scenarios that would hold the Rockets' nucleus together would still find Anthony with a starting annually salary in the range of $19 million, league sources said.
Anthony plans to opt out of the final year of his contract – which would've paid him $23 million for next season – and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He averaged 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds on 45 percent shooting for the Knicks last season.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
LeBron with a simple message: 'Why not us?'
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Early Sunday evening, LeBron James will gather his Miami Heat teammates around him and offer a few final words of wisdom before they try to extend their reign as NBA champions.
James never rehearses the speech, but already knows what the gist will be.
''It would be in the range of, `Why not us?''' James said Saturday. ''Why not us? History is broken all the time. And obviously we know we're against the greatest of odds.''
Against the greatest of odds, against maybe the greatest of San Antonio Spurs teams, too. Both are very much against the Heat now, and both are winning. The Spurs are a victory away from their fifth championship, and will go for it at home Sunday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The Spurs are the 32nd team in NBA history to hold a 3-1 lead in the finals. All 31 of the previous teams have won the title.
''History is made to be broken, and why not me be a part of it? That would be great,'' James said. ''That would be a great story line, right? But we'll see what happens. I've got to live in the moment, though, before we even get to that point.''
The Spurs have the same way of thinking.
They took command of the finals in stunning fashion by not just winning in Miami, but winning twice - and winning big. San Antonio won Games 3 and 4 on the road by a combined 40 points, never trailing by more than two in either contest and running out to 25-point leads in each.
''We've got to act like we're coming into it like it's a road game,'' Spurs guard Danny Green said. ''It's a mentality thing. We have to come up with the same mentality we do on the road and try to protect home court and play with desperation.''
There was no talk from the Spurs on Saturday about closing in on a title, or anything remotely close to that topic. They thought they had it wrapped up with 28 seconds left in Game 6 last season against Miami and saw it slip away - so even with a 3-1 lead and being at home instead the road for this potential clinching situation, it's pretty clear that San Antonio isn't willing to leave anything to chance.
''They're going to come out and give us their best punch possible,'' Spurs star Tim Duncan said. ''We know that they're back-to-back champs and they've been in this situation before and they have all the confidence in the world that they can win these games. So we have to do just the same. Come out there and say, hey, we're going to take it little by little, quarter by quarter, and see what happens.''
That all sounds good, and he meant every word.
Thing is, the Heat - these Heat, anyway - haven't been in this situation before. Since James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh teamed up, the Heat have never trailed 3-1 in a series.
Until now.
''We're not so entitled or jaded that we're above having to fight for it, and that's what it is right now,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''It's competition. So we've got to find a way to fight and get this next game, and that's what it's all about.''
Miami took a day off Friday. Mario Chalmers played with his son, James watched some film and rested at home, Udonis Haslem tried to relax with family. Wade, who missed nine of his first 10 shots - raising questions about his health - went a different way.
He went into the gym, by himself, looking for answers.
''I have very good reason that everything could change,'' Wade said. ''As I continue to say throughout the season, it's a game-to-game thing.''
Wade was down 2-0 in the 2006 finals, and trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of that series against Dallas. The Heat won that championship in six games.
''You have to pull from your experiences,'' Wade said, ''and know where you came from to know where you're trying to go.''
That also applies to the Spurs.
Losing the last two games of the finals last year still stings San Antonio. That series was portrayed widely as the Spurs' last hurrah - an aging team with old stars, there's no way they could come back from something as devastating as letting the 2013 championship slip away, right?
Wrong.
The Spurs finished with the best record in the regular season, and are one win shy of just being the best team, period.
''Whatever success anyone has is due to a lot of factors,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. ''Some of it is not even your doing. Sometimes things just happen. So success is a pretty complicated thing.''
So are comebacks.
But James is eager for the chance.
''For me, it's like you either don't make the playoffs or you win a championship,'' James said. ''There's no in-between.''
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Early Sunday evening, LeBron James will gather his Miami Heat teammates around him and offer a few final words of wisdom before they try to extend their reign as NBA champions.
James never rehearses the speech, but already knows what the gist will be.
''It would be in the range of, `Why not us?''' James said Saturday. ''Why not us? History is broken all the time. And obviously we know we're against the greatest of odds.''
Against the greatest of odds, against maybe the greatest of San Antonio Spurs teams, too. Both are very much against the Heat now, and both are winning. The Spurs are a victory away from their fifth championship, and will go for it at home Sunday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The Spurs are the 32nd team in NBA history to hold a 3-1 lead in the finals. All 31 of the previous teams have won the title.
''History is made to be broken, and why not me be a part of it? That would be great,'' James said. ''That would be a great story line, right? But we'll see what happens. I've got to live in the moment, though, before we even get to that point.''
The Spurs have the same way of thinking.
They took command of the finals in stunning fashion by not just winning in Miami, but winning twice - and winning big. San Antonio won Games 3 and 4 on the road by a combined 40 points, never trailing by more than two in either contest and running out to 25-point leads in each.
''We've got to act like we're coming into it like it's a road game,'' Spurs guard Danny Green said. ''It's a mentality thing. We have to come up with the same mentality we do on the road and try to protect home court and play with desperation.''
There was no talk from the Spurs on Saturday about closing in on a title, or anything remotely close to that topic. They thought they had it wrapped up with 28 seconds left in Game 6 last season against Miami and saw it slip away - so even with a 3-1 lead and being at home instead the road for this potential clinching situation, it's pretty clear that San Antonio isn't willing to leave anything to chance.
''They're going to come out and give us their best punch possible,'' Spurs star Tim Duncan said. ''We know that they're back-to-back champs and they've been in this situation before and they have all the confidence in the world that they can win these games. So we have to do just the same. Come out there and say, hey, we're going to take it little by little, quarter by quarter, and see what happens.''
That all sounds good, and he meant every word.
Thing is, the Heat - these Heat, anyway - haven't been in this situation before. Since James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh teamed up, the Heat have never trailed 3-1 in a series.
Until now.
''We're not so entitled or jaded that we're above having to fight for it, and that's what it is right now,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''It's competition. So we've got to find a way to fight and get this next game, and that's what it's all about.''
Miami took a day off Friday. Mario Chalmers played with his son, James watched some film and rested at home, Udonis Haslem tried to relax with family. Wade, who missed nine of his first 10 shots - raising questions about his health - went a different way.
He went into the gym, by himself, looking for answers.
''I have very good reason that everything could change,'' Wade said. ''As I continue to say throughout the season, it's a game-to-game thing.''
Wade was down 2-0 in the 2006 finals, and trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of that series against Dallas. The Heat won that championship in six games.
''You have to pull from your experiences,'' Wade said, ''and know where you came from to know where you're trying to go.''
That also applies to the Spurs.
Losing the last two games of the finals last year still stings San Antonio. That series was portrayed widely as the Spurs' last hurrah - an aging team with old stars, there's no way they could come back from something as devastating as letting the 2013 championship slip away, right?
Wrong.
The Spurs finished with the best record in the regular season, and are one win shy of just being the best team, period.
''Whatever success anyone has is due to a lot of factors,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. ''Some of it is not even your doing. Sometimes things just happen. So success is a pretty complicated thing.''
So are comebacks.
But James is eager for the chance.
''For me, it's like you either don't make the playoffs or you win a championship,'' James said. ''There's no in-between.''
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