Paul Pierce vs LeBron James: Timeline of bitter rivalry from spit saga to monster dunk

Paul Pierce and LeBron James rivalry dates back to 2003 when Paul Pierce spat at LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers bench. Pierce recently released a top five list of his NBA all-time players, which did t include Los Angeles Lakers star. Perkins revealed incident during an ESPN interview, which Pierce later confirmed. Here is timeline of infamous Paul Pierce vs LeBron James' bitter rivalry. 

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2003: Paul Pierce spit at LeBron and Cavaliers bench

spit incident is earliest evidence of Paul Pierce vs LeBron James rivalry. Perkins revealed that James was getting attention during his rookie NBA seaso and played one of his first few games against Pierce and Celtics. Perkins revealed that Pierce was talking trash to Cavaliers bench and spat at m. As per Perkins, it was 'ultimate disrespect' and people were rey to fight after game.

He ded that from that day onwards, both James and Pierce hate each or. Pierce confirmed story, saying that it happened during an NBA game which meant thing. He remembers trash talk but was t sure if he hit someone when he spit in ir direction. He only recalls meeting in hallway where things were about to 'go down', saying it was 'basis of everything'. 

2006: Cavaliers win despite Pierce's career-high

On February 15, 2006, Pierce dropped his career-high 50 points at TD Garden while playing Cavaliers. However, James bagged 113-109 win in overtime. James also h a great game, scoring 43 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. 

2008: Celtics beat Cavaliers

During 2007-08 post-season, Celtics beat Cavaliers in Eastern Conference semi-finals. Though James won first scoring title of his NBA career, his team was ranked fourth on in Eastern Conference. Game 7 of series is still considered one of best NBA games by fans. James lost despite scoring 45 points and Celtics bagged NBA title while Pierce won Finals MVP. 

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2010: Cavaliers lose once again

In 2010, Cavaliers were ranked first in Eastern Conference with Celtics at .4. While everyone expected James to le team to NBA Finals, Pierce won series and vanced ahe. Though Celtics lost to late NBA legend Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers, Cavaliers also me changes to ir roster. Shaquille O'Neal moved to Celtics, and James moved to Miami Heat. 

2011: Heat beat Celtics

Though Heat did t win NBA Finals that season, James was able to beat Paul Pierce. He stated that matchup was 'personal' as y defeated Celtics in Round 2 of playoffs. Though Celtics were leing by 87-82 in deciding Game 5, Heat went on a 15-0 run to beat Boston. 

2014: Pierce demands matchup with James

During 2013-2014 season, Heat met Celtics in Eastern Conference semi-finals. Pierce claimed that he can beat James and wanted to defend w-Lakers star. He stated he could do a better job than anyone else, but ended up losing as James dropped 49-points during Game 4, making a new Heat playoff franchise-record. 

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2018: LeBron ruining Pierce's jersey retirement ceremony by defeating Celtics

2018-19: Pierce talking trash and trolling James

During 2017-18 playoffs, cameras captured Pierce talking trash to James while he faced Celtics. While it is t clear what Pierce said, James remained unaffected by his comments. In 2019, Pierce talked about being James' biggest rival, ding that he was reason James moved to Miami. 

Paul Pierce vs LeBron James: LeBron James dunk on Paul Pierce

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2020: Paul Pierce Top 5 list does t include LeBron James

In last week's ESPN's NBA Countdown, Pierce named his top five NBA players list which excluded James. He stated that all James did was put team toger in Miami and Cleveland before joining Lakers, whose trition is alrey me. While fans agreed to most of his list, y expected James to be up re.