NBA Finals 2014: Spurs Center Tim Duncan ‘Happy’ To Get Second Crack At Lebron James And Miami Heat; Coach Popovich Says Team Has Grown This Year

The NBA Finals 2014 is finally here and Spurs center Tim Duncan couldn't be happier that they are up against Lebron James and Miami Heat once more. Team coah, Greg Popovich, meanwhile said that the team has grown from the loss last year.

"We're happy to be back here this year," Tim Duncan told NBC Sports, referring to the NBA Finals 2014 matchup with the Miami Heat.

"We're happy to have another opportunity at it. We're happy that it's the Heat again. We'll be ready for them," he added.

He said Spurs already have some experience slugging it out against Lebron James and Miami Heat and the pain of losing last year is still fresh from their minds.

"We've got that bad taste in our mouths still. Hopefully, we'll be ready to take it this time."

Meanwhile, Spurs coach Greg Popovich told USA Today that the team grew from the loss in the hands of Lebron James and Miami Heat in last year's finals.

"I think our guys, they actually grew from the loss last year. I call it fortitude. I think they showed an unbelievable amount of fortitude," he said.

"If I can compliment my own team humbly, to have that tough loss, especially the Game 6, and not have a pity party, and come back this year and get back to the same position, I think that's fortitude," the Spurs coach said. "I'm really proud of them, and even happier for them."

According to CNN's Sports Illustrated, the NBA Finals 2014 involving San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat is the first rematch since the 1997 and 1998, when the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls won over the Utah Jazz, led by Karl Malone and John Stockton.

The Miami Heat won the championship last year when it defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.