EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Golden State Warriors are the N.B.A. champions. But in the aftermath of the Warriors’ convincing performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, much of the focus was heaped on LeBron James, who turned in one of the most heroic performances in finals history yet failed to carry his team to a title.

In some ways, James brought the scrutiny upon himself — as he often does — by expressing an unwavering confidence that came across as primping in front of a mirror. After the Cavaliers lost Game 5 on Sunday, James was asked why he was so confident entering Game 6 on Tuesday with his team clearly overmatched yet again.

“I’m confident because I’m the best player in the world,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”

That proclamation, heard round the world, followed James into Game 6 (a 105-97 loss) and will most likely accompany him in the off-season and into the new season and years to come until he wins another title.

After a recent practice at the Giants’ training complex, there was substantial conversation about the N.B.A. finals. Football is an ultimate team sport. Players play on distinct units — offense, defense, special teams. They must perform their tasks in coordination with one another for the team to be successful.