LeBron James on Spurs: ‘That’s how team basketball should be played’

After the Miami Heat lost Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Chris Bosh said the San Antonio Spurs were the best basketball team he has ever played against. When a reporter asked LeBron James about Bosh’s assessment, he was quick to agree.

“I would agree,” LeBron said. “They were a much better team. That’s how team basketball should be played. It’s selfless. Guys move, cut, pass … if you’ve got a shot you take it, but it’s all for the team. It’s never about the individual. That’s the brand of basketball. That’s how team basketball should be played.”

Games 3, 4 and 5 were the exact same story almost from the opening tip to the final whistle. The Spurs put on a clinic in ball movement and got everyone involved. The Heat simply had no answers defensively. On offense, Miami relied solely on LeBron while guys like Dwyane Wade sat back and enjoyed the show.

LeBron played extremely well throughout the Finals. He averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 57% from the floor. You could argue that James was the best player on the floor throughout the series, but it didn’t matter. The Spurs got significant contributions from almost everyone — not just their best player.

“Obviously I didn’t do enough,” LeBron said.

Despite the fact that LeBron pretty much had to do it alone, he said he was not disappointed in his teammates.

“(I’m) not disappointed in any of my teammates,” he said. “Just wish we could have come through.”

All LeBron has to do is watch that video compilation of Dwyane Wade’s lazy defense during the NBA Finals and his opinion will probably change. With the exception of James, the Heat just didn’t seem to want it. Once they realized how effective the Spurs were in moving the ball, it’s almost like they cashed it in mentally.