Pain fires Warriors

LeBron knows rivals have motivation

MEMORIES of being dethroned last year by the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history spur the Golden State Warriors in a redemption quest against Cleveland in this year’s rematch.

The third consecutive bestof-seven title showdown between the Warriors and Cavaliers opens this morning with Golden State’s 2015 win and Cleveland’s stinging rally from 3-1 down last June adding to the anticipated drama for two superstar-filled squads.

“It obviously still hurts a lot . . . it kills you. But we learned from it,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. “You can feel that redemption. It’s natural. Beat the guys who beat you.

“But you just have that in the back of your mind. Don’t let it overtake what’s at stake, but you can feel a little redemption if you want. Whatever gets you going. Our fans definitely feel that way.”

They figure to be electrified for the opener after watching the Cavaliers celebrate their first crown on the Warriors’ court in a seventh-game thriller.

“It has been a great moti- vating factor,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “I have great memories of (2015) and terrible memories of last year, but they’re both lessons you can learn going into this series.

“We know some of their tendencies and just have a better familiarity with how we’re going to be successful against them. But, yeah, I don’t want to feel what I felt last year. Going to do everything in my power to attack every game with that perspective.

“You have to learn from it. You can’t hold on to it. You use it as fuel.” Cavaliers star LeBron James, who sparked the fightback to bring his beloved Cleveland its first major sports crown in 52 years, knows the Warriors have extra motivation.

“We’re going to face adversity,” James said. “They have been the best team in the league the last three years and they have added an incredible player in Kevin Durant.

“They’re going to challenge us offensively, defensively, mentally, physically. We’ve got to be up for the challenge.

“I feel very good about our chances. Very good.”