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NBA Finals: LeBron James talks legacy ahead of Miami Heat's title decider with Spurs

LeBron James: Thinks he can cement legacy with victory in Game Seven

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LeBron James says the Miami Heat will go down as "one of the greatest" teams if they win Game Seven of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

After the Heat tied the series at 3-3 in an astonishing Game Six, the destination of the title will now be decided by a single contest at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.

The odds certainly seem stacked against the Spurs: a road team has not won a deciding game in the finals since the Washington Bullets in 1978, since when there have been five seventh-game finales, all won by the hosts.

League MVP James comes into the contest on the back of a spectacular triple-double in the previous game and is determined to lead the Heat to their second straight title.

Lebron wants to be one of the greats

"I want to go down as one of the greatest. I want our team to go down as one of the greatest teams. And we have an opportunity to do that," James said.
"There haven't been many teams to win back-to-back championships. It's so hard. It's the hardest thing.

Hardest

"I said last year it was the hardest thing I've ever done, winning my first. Last year doesn't even come close to what we've gone through in this post-season and in these finals. So I'll be there (Thursday) night. I'm going to give it my all."
While the Heat are chasing a second straight title, San Antonio have the chance to crown a dynasty of five titles in 15 years.

LeBron wins fourth MVP award

Star forward Tim Duncan has been present for all four of the franchise's previous four championships and insists that the enormity of the occasion on Thursday night will not faze him.

Duncan said: "I prepare for every game exactly the same. That's why I feel every game is exactly the same. Obviously the pressure is there, the stage is there, the energy is there but preparation doesn't change."

In the opinion of many analysts, the Spurs will struggle to regroup just two days after such a heart-breaking defeat but Duncan, who scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in Game Six, says he will have no problem bouncing back.

"Some people use it the right way, some people are hurt by it but I don't feel I'm affected by it. I use it however I can, and love the environment."

 

 NBA: Seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady announces retirement from NBA

Tracy McGrady: Retiring after 16 seasons in the NBA

Seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady has announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 34.

McGrady, who won the league's scoring title twice, was a member of the San Antonio Spurs side which finished as runners-up last season.

But he is more famous for his time with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, starring in both offences as an athletic shooting guard or small forward.

He went straight from high school to the NBA, being drafted by the Toronto with the ninth overall pick in 1997 but he did not become a bona fide star until his move to Orlando three years later.

He set numerous franchise scoring records for the Magic but injuries, along with an inability to lead the team on a successful play-off run, were recurring themes throughout his career.

"Thank all of you who have supported me over 16 NBA seasons, seven all-stars, and countless exciting moments. Retiring from NBA," McGrady posted on his Twitter account.