“That Sh– Burns Me”: 2011 NBA Finals Loss Still Haunts Lakers’ LeBron James

The Lakers conveniently grabbed victory in the first game of NBA Finals 2020 against the East champions, Miami Heat. LeBron James began his 10th Finals appearance on a positive note, and Anthony Davis led their scorecard. It was a complete show, but the job isn’t done, as Bron suggests.

It was a one-sided show after halftime where Lakers dominated their opponents easily. Miami fans must be having a bad day as their key players, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Goran Dragic had to leave the match with minor injuries.

Lakers took full advantage of that and made it through with a 116-98 victory in Finals Game 1. Anthony Davis was terrific in his Finals debut, recording 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Moreover, Bron added another 25 points and 13 rebounds to the massive win.

The title hasn’t come in his hands, and he is not satisfied with just a win in his pocket. ‘The King’ needs more. As the Lakers move ahead in the series to Game 2, some ‘experiences’ haunt LeBron in these Finals.

LeBron James reflects on his experiences to stay focused in Game 2

If Bron had to learn from his past, it would be from the second game of 2011 Finals, Heat against Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks.“One particular that always rings home for me is Game 2, 2011 Finals, Miami vs Dallas. D-Wade hits a three right by that bench. I believe [it] put us up either 13 or 17.”

“And from that moment on, Dallas went on a hell of a run and finished it off with a Dirk Nowitzki left-hand layup to steal that game. That sh– burns me to this day,” LeBron revealed in the post-game interview.

That year, Dirk went to achieve his dream playoff run, averaging 27.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the postseason. In Game 2 of the 2011 Finals against Heat, he contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead Dallas to a close 95-93 victory.

From there on, Mavericks took away the title after defeating Heat 4-2 in that series. It seems like LeBron hasn’t forgotten how that title slipped away from his hands. Even though he bagged the next two consecutive championships. But what if 2011 was also his? He would have completed his three-peat.

That’s exactly the experience the Lakers’ star holds and knows that the job isn’t done. Miami can bounce back anytime considering the lineup and young talent they have. But for now, the series stands 1-0 in Lakers’ favor.