Heat’s James getting best of longtime rival Pierce,
MIAMI — In a game more known for team rivalries, LeBron James vs. Paul Pierce has developed into the best oneon-one battle in the NBA.
Starting with a seven-game series in 2008 when James was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the players have faced off in the playoffs in four of the last five postseasons, often guarding each other.
“More than any other matchup in the league, we know each other,” said James, now starring with the Miami Heat and facing Pierce’s Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. “We know each other’s likes, dislikes. We understand how competitive each one of us is. It’s fun going against the best.”
They have met 19 times in the postseason, with James winning 10 games, including Miami’s 93-79 victory Monday in Game 1. He had 32 points on 13-for-22 shooting and 13 rebounds. Pierce struggled with 12 points on 5-for-18 shooting.
Though there is no love lost between them, there is mutual respect.
“I don’t think it is like or dislike,” Pierce said. “He’s been on some great teams. I’ve been on some great teams. And we’ve had to face one another. After a while, it just becomes mutual respect for the things he’s done in this league and the things I’ve done in this league.”
Early in the rivalry, Pierce won more often. But the Heat have won five of the last six games. Last season was the first time a James team eliminated the Celtics.
James has posted better offensive statistics than Pierce, though it could be argued that Pierce had more offensive help than James early in the rivalry. They have made it very difficult on each other.
In 19 games, James has averaged 27.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists and shot 42.6% from the field, including 28.6% on three-pointers. Pierce has averaged 17.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists and shot 39.2% from the field, including 35.6% on three-pointers. Their shooting percentages are lower than their regularseason and playoff averages.
They have engaged in classic scoring battles. James scored 45 points and Pierce 41 in Boston’s 97-92 victory against Cleveland on May 18, 2008.
“They’re going to make it tough on each other,” Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. “When you play against someone constantly, it becomes a rival.”
Since last season, James has torched Boston for 22, 35, 35, 33 and 32 points in the Miami victories.
The Celtics are not alone. No team has had an answer for James. In one revealing Game 1 play, James posted up Pierce, backed him down in the lane and made a soft baby hook with little resistance.
And with guard Ray Allen (left ankle) struggling physically, Boston needs more offense from Pierce, starting in today’s Game 2 (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“We have to get him going offensively,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “He has to be more aggressive. “Paul is every bit as physical as LeBron, as far as body types. And so he just has to do it.”