LeBron James says Cavs' 'grit squad' loves 'that we've been counted out'

Against ridiculous odds, the Cleveland Cavaliers tied the NBA Finals at 1-1 following a thrilling Game 2 overtime victory Sunday.

It took a few breaks, some uncharacteristically poor shooting from Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and some unlikely contributions from what's become a paper-thin supporting cast. Foremost among them was Matthew Dellavedova, who drew the Curry assignment for long stretches and acquitted himself far better than expected.

"I'm never going anywhere without Delly again," LeBron James said after the game, referring to Dellavedova being left behind by the team bus after Game 1.

James, the team's obvious vocal, on-court, and spiritual leader, had warned earlier in the week that everyone was writing the Cavaliers off, always a dangerous proposition. While that's mattered little to the two-time NBA Finals MVP - "I don't need any extra motivation" - it may have rallied the few healthy bodies remaining on the roster.

"Our guys love that we've been counted out," James said. "It's the grit squad that we have. It's not cute at all. If you're looking for us to play sexy, cute basketball, it's not us."

And play sexy they did not. Cleveland shot poorly but made up for it on the defensive end, on the glass, and with the 13th playoff triple-double of James' career.

It's little surprise that they were carried in large part by the four-time MVP, who had his second otherworldy performance in a row with 39 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists. Sure, he missed a potential game-winner at the end of regulation for a second consecutive game, but the Cavs wouldn't have been anywhere close to an overtime frame if it weren't for James carrying a ridiculous burden for 50 minutes.

The Warriors again opted to invite James to beat them individually, but while he took 35 field-goal attempts, 18 free-throw attempts, and committed three turnovers, he also assisted on 11 of the team's 18 field goals that he didn't score. Golden State has been clear they're willing to accept James scoring 40 points if it means he can't get his teammates involved, a notion James has scoffed at and joked about Sunday.

"I was knocking on that 40 door again," James said. "They let me score 40 again."

With a short turnaround before Game 3 on Tuesday, there may be some worry that James will wear out. He's been fatigued throughout the playoffs, has a ton of mileage on him after such a sustained stretch of postseason and international success, and has taken 73 field goal attempts in 96 minutes over the first two games of the series.

If James isn't worried, Cavaliers fans needn't be, either.

"Of course I'm good for it," James said. "It's a maximum of five games left in the NBA season, so I'm ready for whatever."

Five games left. If he's going to keep emptying the clip, this is still a series, and it should be a blast.