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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

James still appreciates Finals excitement

LeBron James should be used to the NBA Finals by now. After five trips to the championship series in eight years, it would make sense if he had a been-there, done-that attitude when stepping onto the sport’s biggest stage. He doesn’t. On Wednesday, James took a seat inside a makeshift interview area, sneaked a quick glance at the NBA Finals signage that was off to his left side, and beamed like a kid in a candy store. Just a couple of years removed from being ripped for not delivering in the moments that decide championships, James seems more comfortable in these surroundings than ever. “I’m blessed, man,” James said. “That’s all I can say.” James and the Miami Heat open these finals tonight ( 6, ABC) against the San Antonio Spurs, the NBA’s first championship-series rematch since 1998. – AP