NBA Finals Game 1: Match-up To Watch

By Michael Rehome
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Jun 5, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James reacts during practice for game one of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

There are a lot of match-ups in this series that some may say it favors the San Antonio Spurs, and others may seem it favors the Miami Heat.  The Miami Heat have themselves the best player on the planet in LeBron James.  Some may feel that he will become a nightmare to Kawhi Leonard who will in fact see some time against James.

Leonard whom has rose as the Spurs top defender to counter-part their opponents best player, he loves this type of pressure on him and feels this is what makes it fun to be an NBA player.  Here is what Leonard told San Antonio Express-News Dan McCarney:

“I want to play the best and be the best,” he said during Wednesday’s media day.

James has improved on all aspects of his game, developing a jump shot as well as a post game, Leonard gave his final thoughts on how he plans on playing, The King.

“Just competing every possession,” Leonard said. “He plays hard throughout the whole 48 minutes. So really having energy and focus to guard him. You just have to compete.”

This will be infact the biggest test that Leonard will have to ever put himself through in the NBA.  LeBron James is a beast of a man and is very power, outside of the flops he has shown lately.  One thing is for sure, Leonard has the energy and the athleticism to keep in front of James and possibly, make it hard for him to get going, easier said than done I know.

Leonard will surely have himself some help from his teammates.  They have stepped up the challenge before in quieting and shutting down opponents.  James is a different player.  He has 2007 on his mind, and looks for revenge. He already has one title, and he is hungry for more.  He is a scary player, but I do like the attitude of Leonard wanting to play against the best and knowing that will only make him become a better player.

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