Finals matchup features James vs. Durant - Philadelphia Inquirer

LeBron James versus Kevin Durant. It is the story of these NBA Finals.

Except to the guys who share the top billing.

One of them will emerge with his first championship and probably the title of best player in the game.

It could be James, the three-time MVP. Or it might be Durant, the league's scoring champion the last three seasons.

All they know is whoever it is won't have done it alone.

"Everybody is going to make the most out of the matchup of me versus LeBron, but it's the Thunder versus the Heat," Durant said Monday. "One guy versus another guy, it's not going to be a one-on-one matchup to win the series; it's going to be all about the team."

Maybe, but it's easy to get caught up in their individual brilliance.

It's the first time the MVP and scoring champ have met in the finals since 1997, when Michael Jordan and Chicago knocked off MVP Karl Malone and Utah.

They are friends and workout partners, play the same small-forward position, and are blessed with unlimited basketball talent. After years of waiting for a James-Kobe Bryant finals matchup that never materialized, the league got one starting Tuesday night in Oklahoma City that's perhaps even better to wrap up a successful season after the lockout.

"It's great for the NBA," Miami's Shane Battier said. "I anticipate record ratings, which is great, so maybe we can get some of the escrow check back from the owners. First and foremost, that's why I'm excited to see Kevin Durant versus LeBron James. But selfish reasons aside, it's just a great matchup.

"There's so many young, great players in this league and established players and all-stars. If you're a basketball fan, you're missing out if you're not watching this series."

Both have sworn off Twitter, at least for the time being. James posted his last message on April 27 and Durant on May 1. For now, KingJames and KDTrey5 will stick to making their statements on the court.

Bobcats narrow search

The Charlotte Bobcats are inching closer to naming a new head coach after trimming their search to former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw, and former 76ers assistant Quin Snyder, a person familiar with the situation said.

Bobcats owner Michael Jordan will meet this week with Shaw and Snyder, now an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jordan already has met with Sloan.

- Associated Press