MIAMI (USA TODAY) â€" During the 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce wrapped up then-Cavs forward LeBron James, who was on his way to the hoop for an easy two points.
"There is no love lost between LeBron James and Paul Pierce," TNT's Kevin Harlan bellowed. "None."
Pierce and James spun around, into the courtside seats along the baseline, where James' mom, Gloria, was seated. She got up, and Boston's Kevin Garnett tried to keep her from getting to Pierce and James. James then famously yelled at his mom, "Sit your ass down."
In a game more known for team rivalries, James vs. Pierce has developed into the best one-on-one rivalry in the NBA. They have faced each other, often guarding one another, in the playoffs four of the past five postseasons, starting with that seven-game series in 2008.
"We know each other," James said. "More than any other matchup in the league, we know each other. We know each other's likes, dislikes. We understand how competitive each one of us is. It's fun going against the best, and he's one of them."
If there was no love lost between the two four seasons ago, there is at least a mutual respect today.
"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. It's a very competitive battle."
They have met 19 times, with James winning 10 games, including Miami's 93-79 victory Monday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. James had 32 points on 13-of-22 shooting and 13 rebounds, and Pierce struggled with 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting.
Early in the rivalry, Pierce won more often. Lately, it's been James, with the Heat winning five of the past six contests. Last season marked the first time a James team has beaten the Celtics in a series.
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 regular-season or playoff averages.
Despite different body types â€" James is more muscular in appearance â€" they both score using finesse and power, with James relying more on power and Pierce on finesse.
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've played so many times in the playoffs," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "They're both good offensive players and both good defenders. They're going to make it tough on each other. When you play against someone constantly, it becomes a rival."
Since last season, James has torched the Celtics for 22, 35, 35, 33 and 32 points in five Miami victories. The Celtics are not alone in this, as no team right now has an answer for James. In one revealing play in Game 1, James posted up Pierce, backed him down in the lane and made a soft baby hook with little resistance.
With guard Ray Allen (left ankle) struggling physically, Boston needs more offense from Pierce.
"We have to get him going offensively," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "He has to be more aggressive, he has to be more assertive, he has to attack more. It's like I said with Paul, you can look at his numbers. It's easy to read: If he has no foul shots and only two rebounds, then it wasn't a physical game for Paul.
"Paul is every bit as physical as LeBron, as far as body types. And so he just has to do it."
Copyright 2012 USA TODAY
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