Paul Pierce on guarding LeBron James: 'I want that assignment'
Heat forward LeBron James is a unique talent. Standing at 6-foot-9, weighing 260 pounds, blessed with every paragon of athleticism, exquisite court-vision, a deadly jumpshot and lacking any regard for human life, James is a defensive nightmare.
However, despite the aforementioned worries, Nets forward Paul Pierce embraces the challenge of guarding James, and even went as far as to plead with head coach Jason Kidd to hand him the unenviable defensive assignment:
I've definitely tried to do that. I went to J-Kidd [for] Game 2 and said I want that assignment. ... I think I've guarded him more than anybody in this gym. I know his tendencies a little bit more and I just try to step up in that role and try to lead that way.
Pierce's familiarity with James likely stems from their 62 career meetings, and his familiarity has led Pierce to pick up a few tendencies.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Pierce guarded James for 42% of possessions in Game 2, and held James to long field-goal attempts. James is most effective near the rim, and his jumpshots are far less dangerous than his drives. Against Pierce, James' average field-goal distance was 18.6 feet as compared to 9.6 for all other defenders.
James' Heat currently lead Pierce's Nets in the Eastern Conference semifinals by a score of 2-1.
(h/t: Pro Basketball Talk)