Paul Pierce
September 2025
Paul Pierce claimed his battles with LeBron James pushed the superstar to new heights, citing Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals when James delivered 45 points to save the Miami Heat from elimination against Pierce’s Celtics. Pierce admitted James “played the game of his life” in that series, crediting the duel for elevating LeBron’s career trajectory. Despite defending him closely, Pierce said respect grew from those contests, acknowledging he helped bring out the best in James.