OAKLAND — LeBron James expects that when he arrives at Oracle Arena on Christmas Day, thoughts about the Cleveland Cavaliers' doomed trip to the NBA Finals last season will enter his head.
"The memories will come back as soon as you walk into the building," James told reporters. "But also understand that it's one of 82, and I'm not going to put everything into this game.
Kyrie Irving told Shaquille O'Neal in the offseason that he believed the Cavaliers "definitely" would have won had everyone on their team been healthy for the Finals. Irving suffered a season-ending knee injury in Game 1 and returned to action this week. Also healthy is forward Kevin Love, who missed the Finals with a shoulder injury.
"Larry O'Brien resides in Oakland, California," Warriors forward Draymond Green said in response during the summer, referring to the championship trophy.
The Cavaliers will get to see what Irving, who appears to be on a minutes restriction, can help them achieve. James and guard Iman Shumpert both observed to reporters after Wednesday's win against the New York Knicks improved their record to 19-7 that as a healthy ballclub, the Cavaliers could be more effective with different lineups.
The Warriors are certainly aware that Irving's availability gives the Cavaliers another weapon capable of taking over a game.
"Players like him usually show up in big moments, so we've got to expect him to have some life in those legs," Warriors guard Stephen Curry said.
The Warriors this time have injury concerns of their own. While Curry said he was fine after getting kneed in the calf in Wednesday's win over Utah and left with a small bruise, they are more than likely going to face James without Harrison Barnes.