Paul Pierce/Lebron James duel - 2008 NBA Eastern Semi-Finals - game seven

This was a good one. Game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals with the Celtics Big Three going against the Cavaliers Lebron James. Paul finally got the help he needed in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and a solid supporting cast. Lebron wasn't surrounded by much talent, but the battle came right down to the wire anyway, sending Boston eventually off to the NBA Finals and a Championship with a 97-92 win.

Pierce scored 41 points to James' 45, and they dueled each other throughout the game. Lebron was only 22 years old and was still improving, although it certainly looked as though he had peaked in this game. Lebron will be battling the Celtics again today at TD Garden, but he won't be dueling his former nemesis. There has always been mutual admiration between The King and The Captain and expect to see manifestations of that today with Pierce's planned tribute taking place. The video is definitely worth watching.



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Photo via Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Video via GD's Vintage Highlights