LeBron James was the ultimate leader during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is what he said after a stupendous Finals game.
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On this day, five years ago the Cleveland Cavaliers scripted history as they won their first NBA Championship. LeBron James and company overturned a 3-1 deficit to clinch the title against Golden State Warriors. It is one of the best comebacks in NBA history as they became the first team to comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
It was Kyrie’s three-pointer with around a minute left in the clock that gave the Cavaliers the crucial lead and probably the title. Right before the clutch shot, the Warriors were on the charge to the rim.
Steph Curry passed the ball to Andre Iguodala, who went up to the rim but was timely blocked by LeBron. That block was very crucial for Tyronn Lue’s team as it allowed the Cavs to get back possession.
The Cavs showed great mental strength and tenacity to play three elimination games on the trot. Hence at the buzzer, the Cavs mobbed the floor in disbelief and joy . The emotions were high even at the press conference as LeBron held the NBA trophy to his chest and choked in his tears.
“They f****d up”: LeBron James said motivating his Cavs teammates after winning Game 6
Speaking about the mentality and the determination that the Cavaliers showed, it was led by LeBron, Kyrie and coach Lue. They believed this turnaround was possible even when the Cavs had their backs against the walls.
It was LeBron’s sensational performance on Game 5 where he dropped 41 points triple double that swung the tide in their favour. Incidentally, Kyrie also dropped a 41 point game and the star duo led the Cavs to a 97-112 win.
“They f****d up.”
LeBron on the Warriors after GM6 of the 2016 NBA Finals.(Via @espn)pic.twitter.com/zhxyDY40nm
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 19, 2021
The win in Game 5 gave them the hope of going out there in Game 6. King James replicated his performance from the previous game as he dropped another 41 point match-winning performance.
After the win, LeBron was quick to point out the mental and physical condition of the Warriors. “They f****d up. Mentally and physically. I’m telling you, they f****d up,” LeBron said motivating his teammates at the dressing ahead of Game 7.
They won Game 6, 115-101 and that gave them the motivation to go all the way. A task that once looked impossible was turning into reality and hence they brought all the momentum to Game 7.
Winning that Championship was the stuff of dreams for the Akron Hammer. In the end, he was probably the biggest difference between the two sides.