Paul Pierce Stands Up for LeBron James Amidst Skip Bayless’ Attempt to Diminish Biggest Career Highlight

LeBron James has had several iconic moments over the course of his illustrious NBA career. However, none were as title-defining as his block against Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. After the Dubs gained control of the finals by leading 3-1, the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron, clawed their way back from the brink. However, their hard work could have come undone if not for LeBron James.

With the scores tied at 89 and less than two minutes remaining in the game, Andre Iguodala had an easy layup opportunity to put the Warriors into the lead. But out of nowhere, LeBron jumped and blocked the shot, keeping the scores level. Seconds later, Kyrie Irving scored a game-winning dagger from downtown to cap off possibly the greatest comeback in sports history. Eight years have passed since Cleveland’s remarkable title win, and LeBron’s block still remains the most iconic moment of his illustrious 21-season NBA career.

However, during the latest episode of The Undisputed, Skip Bayless tried to downplay LeBron James’ iconic block by stating that JR Smith deserved more credit for the play. “The point is, it is assisted. Without JR Smith, I am not sure he [LeBron] pulls it off,” he says. But in a surprising turn of events, former adversary and Celtics icon Paul Pierce came to LeBron’s defense. He said, “I didn’t even see LeBron coming, it was a sure fire 2…This will go down as ‘The Block’. Just like we say with Jordan, remember ‘The Shot.’” 

Paul Pierce’s remarks about LeBron and ‘The Block’ have surprised many fans, considering the two battled it out on the court for several years. Pierce’s Celtics were one of the main rivals of LeBron during his time with both the Cavaliers and the Heat. However, their relationship has become much more cordial since Pierce’s retirement. And Pierce rightfully defended LeBron during Bayless’ outrageous take.

LeBron James provides insights into “The Block”

In the latest episode of LeBron James and JJ Redick’s podcast Mind the Game, James revealed the thought process leading up to “The Block.” He said, “I was like, ‘If these f*****g refs call goaltending, I might get kicked out of this most important game of my life.’ Because it was still over two minutes, and you couldn’t review back then unless it was under two minutes because I knew I had got it clean.”

LeBron James further stated that JR Smith (AKA Swish) also deserved a lot of credit. Smith’s match awareness to not foul Iggy and alter his shot was exactly what LeBron needed. He revealed, “I told the guys all year, if you see me hauling a**, just make him change it a little bit. (Smith) executed that shit to perfection. He made Iggy change his shot just a little bit, and that’s all I asked.”

LeBron James’ block set the stage for Kyrie’s title-clinching shot over Stephen Curry. However, it’s anyone’s guess what might have happened if LeBron never blocked Iggy’s shot. Would LeBron have won his 3rd ring? Could the Warriors have run away with the win and their second consecutive title? We would never know.

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