That the Golden State Warriors are a better team than last year is a given with their offseason addition of league MVP and four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant.
But LeBron James said the Cavaliers have improved as well, even though it would seem hard to improve on the unprecedented feat of rallying from a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 title.
Oddsmakers and analysts have made the Warriors heavy favorites as the teams meet for the third consecutive year in the NBA Finals, which open Thursday at Oracle Arena. But James said more than talent will determine the winner.