2007 vs. Spurs
A 22-year-old James dismantled a great Pistons team of the mid-2000’s and led his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to their first ever appearance to the NBA Finals. It was a great story for the city itself and hometown kid. Except that Cavaliers team had no business being in the main event. It’s comparable to how kids have no reason to be at the adult table during the holiday season.
The youthful Cavaliers were up against a well-oiled Spurs team. With their key guys in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker all in their prime and playing at a high level, Cleveland never had a chance from the start, and depending on who’s doing the talking, some don’t hold 2007 against James.
His team wasn’t the best collection of talent to be playing on that stage; James was the age of a college senior; and also, he got there by dismembering Detroit after falling into an 0-2 deficit.
It took an iconic performance in a pivotal Game 5 for 3-2 lead, in which James scored 25 straight points at one point and ended the game with 48 points. He was a one-man band crew, and his team arrived against San Antonio because of him.