In 2016, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an awe-inspiring comeback to win the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors. After going down 3-1 in the series, Cleveland won three straight games to secure the title against Steph Curry and the Warriors.
Only 13 teams have overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs, and James and the Cavs are the only team to do it in the NBA finals.
James and Co. did all they could on Sunday, but Anthony Edwards and the Wolves just refused to lose at home. This resulted in Minnesota pulling off a pivotal 116-113 win to move within a victory away from eliminating the Lakers.
James isn’t ready to wave the white flag just yet, though. The 21-time All-Star has been in this position in the past, and he knows exactly what to do.
“Obviously you don’t think about winning three (games),” he told reporters after Sunday’s loss, via Lakers Nation. “You just think about winning the next one. That’s all that matters.”
James, who finished Sunday’s defeat with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks, will need to make sure that the rest of the Lakers are able to imbibe this mindset heading into Game 5 on Wednesday.
The Lakers play at home in Game 5, which gives them a considerable advantage. At this point, all they can do is take it one game at a time.