NBA playoffs: LeBron James reveals what he told Jayson Tatum and Al Horford
LEBRON JAMES powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics last night, scoring 35 points to book his place in an eighth-straight NBA finals series.
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The 33-year-old will face either defending champions Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets, who play a Game 7 showdown in Houston tonight, after overcoming a youthful Boston spearheaded by rookie Jayson Tatum.
Immediately after the final buzzer, James embraced both Celtics center Al Horford and Tatum, exchanging words while his team-mates celebrated around him.
And during his post-game interview, the four-time league MVP explained his admiration for both players.
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“There was a lot said. But more importantly, it was just a mutual respect and competition,” James revealed.
“Me and Al have had a lot of battles in the postseason and been a lot of All-Star teams so I’ve always had a lot of respect for Al and the way he conducts himself not only as a player but as a professional both on and off the floor. That was the moment there.
“And then with Jayson, I just love everything about the kid. The way he plays the game, his demeanour, where he comes from.
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“I know his parents and I just know he is built for stardom. He is built for success and that is both on and off the floor.
“They are two guys right there that Boston are very lucky to have.”
James, who played all 48 minutes for the Cavs last night, will have three days’ rest before Game 1 of the NBA finals commences.