I've been watching basketball for a long time, I'm a historian of the game. I don't know any other team that's gotten to the Finals without two All-Stars... I cannot remember thinking of it. I don't even know if it's ever happened, for a team to lose two All-Stars and still be able to make it to the Finals.

The group of guys I have... They are playing off straight motivation.

To be honest, the play that was drawn up, I scratched it. I just told coach, 'Give me the ball.' We're either going to go to overtime or I'm going to win it for us. It was that simple.

I treated it like every day was my last day with a basketball.

I love showcasing my talents - not only to my hometown fans and my own team but to the world.

I'm confident with my ability.

But sports carried me away from being in a gang, or being associated with drugs. Sports was my way out.