NBA Finals notebook: LeBron is normal, kind of
Earlier in his career during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James told Paste BN Sports he didn't when people came up and said hello when he was out. But a few MVPs and NBA championships and NBA Finals disappointments later and with an expanding off-court brand, how normal is James' life?
"I do normal stuff, I guess," James said. "I went to the movies last week at a regular movie theater. I went to go see, I forgot the name of the movie. But I went to go see – what is the movie with the girls and they're singing? Pitch Perfect 2, which is unbelievable. Fat Amy is awesome. I love her. Wherever you are, you're awesome.
"I sat out at an outdoor burger place and had a burger. Last night I went out and had a great dinner. I do normal stuff. I think I do."
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Klay Thompson said he never had doubt he was going to play in Game 1 after sustaining a concussion in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Houston Rockets.
"I was confident I was going to play," Thompson said. "I knew I had to pass protocol, but I've been hit in the head before, and, honestly, I felt really good the second day. I had some nagging headaches that night, but when I got some good sleep and some good rest I was all right. So I really knew that Game 1 was never in jeopardy.
Thompson went through the NBA's concussion protocol and on Tuesday was cleared to play.
"At the same time, it's not cool seeing your name in the headlines saying is he unsure or whatnot, just because I want to play so bad," he said. "You know, it's the NBA Finals. There is something wrong with you if you don't want to get out there and work everything to get back on the court. So for me, and it was almost like not playing wasn't an option. I just can't wait.
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It's a bit forgotten, but Warriors coach Steve Kerr spent three-plus seasons with the Cavaliers earlier in his career, before he joined the Chicago Bulls and won three consecutive championships.
"I had a great experience in Cleveland," Kerr said. "I was there three and a half years, played for a Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens, and we had really good teams. But it was fun to be a part of the city. I used to go to Indians games and Browns games, and you felt the passion of the sports community there. The fans loved all their teams.
"I'm really happy for the city of Cleveland, for them to be in The Finals. Just like here in Golden State, a lot of years where they've supported their team and haven't had a lot of success, so I'm really happy for both fan bases."
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The NBA Finals have been big for St. Mary's College, located in nearby Moraga, Calif., the past two seasons. A year ago, Patty Mills won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs, and this season, guard Matthew Dellavedova is playing in the Finals for the Cavaliers.
Both Australians played college ball at St. Mary's, which has had a heavy international influence on its roster. Last three, three players from Australia played for St. Mary's, which lost to Vanderbilt in the first round of the NIT.
"I talked to Coach (Randy) Bennett and all those guys all the time," Dellavedova said. "You know, I was also watching Patty last year do what he was doing. So we're proud to represent St. Mary's. St. Mary's is my home away from home. It's always good to see some familiar faces."