LeBron James really wanted to win. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone want to win that badly. Down 3-1, a deficit never before surmounted in an NBA Finals, James willed his team back by sheer force, bringing a championship to his city, as promised upon his legendary return to Cleveland two years ago. His unanimous MVP performance, possibly the greatest ever in a championship series, ended with him sobbing at his knees, overwhelmed by his career’s crowning achievement.
Thirteen years ago, James entered the league as the most highly-touted prospect in league history. His physical gifts made him a specimen like no other. We have gone on to see his tireless work-ethic, on and off the court, turn him into both an indestructible athlete and a premiere global brand. But even with two championships, four MVPs and countless more awards, he returned to Cleveland unfulfilled.
In last years Finals, he took a broken team as far as they could go. In this year’s rematch, facing an historic team marching toward destiny, he would not be allowed to quit. On the verge of yet again letting down the city he vowed to bring salvation, the critics were lining up to crown him a loser. When you have all the talent in the world, sometimes it comes down to how much you want it.
Sure, he didn’t want to let his city down; Yeah, he wanted to prove his doubters wrong. But most of all, he really wanted to win.
Aryeh Carni
ARYEH CARNI 