I take my sport damned seriously. Basketball is my life. There are other people who go into important games as if they were any other game. I'm a brooder and I spend a lot of time thinking about my opponent, about the things he can do and about what I have to do to win. I don't think I'll ever be able to change that.

The playoffs is all about showing heart and playing together.

Obviously, (winning the division) is big. To be No. 1 is always important.

When I think about my MVP season, I will also think about the loss to Golden State. But winning the award as Most Valuable Player of the NBA is just a huge honour. I didn't really realise how big it was until Mark Cuban had tears in his eyes at the award ceremony.

I lost control of myself a couple times in the playoffs. I have to keep cooler in the future.

The best player I've ever played against is Kobe Bryant. I have seen him do some stuff that is just unbelievable.

Of course parents want their children to confide in them.