The long-awaited NBA Finals rematch is finally here.
After Cleveland took care of Boston Thursday night, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are in the Finals for the third straight season, with each appearance coming against the Golden State Warriors.
This is the first time in NBA history that the same two teams have made the Finals in three straight seasons.
The Warriors, who won the 2015-16 Finals against the Cavs, clinched their Finals spot on Monday with another convincing win over San Antonio. Golden State is the first team to win all 12 of their contests entering the championship round since the NBA switched to its current format in 2003.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, took home the 2016 crown, and only let one game slip away this postseason; a 111-108 buzzer beating loss to Boston in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
James is averaging 32.5 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists across 13 games this postseason.
Going back to his Miami days, James has appeared in seven consecutive Finals, and eight total.
Only six players have played in more NBA Finals than James. Former Celtics great Bill Russell leads all players with 12 appearances.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals begins Thursday, June 1 at 8 p.m.
