OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Minutes after LeBron James lost the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors four months ago, he vowed to return to the gym right away with plans to get back to the big stage. To win another ring.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant heard it yet already knew it – and everybody on the defending champs and King James’ Cleveland Cavaliers realizes these teams could be destined for another championship showdown at the end of this season.
No, James is not through. Neither are the reigning champs if they have their way.
They all understand the entire league has upped its game to chase these two heavyweights from their respective conferences.
“That’s the beauty of competition at the highest level, other teams make us better and vice versa. Cleveland made us better,’’ Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
“They beat us two years ago, they made us better last year. We’re doing the same thing for them. They’re retooling a little bit, they’ve got some great talent. Every team is trying to get where we are and that pushes us. We push them. That’s what makes the game better.’’
