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Thomas prepped for Game 7 by watching vintage LeBron vs. Pierce

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

With their win on Monday night, the Boston Celtics advanced to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, and Isaiah Thomas said he prepped for the Game 7 victory over the Washington Wizards by studying some vintage Celtics-Cavs footage.

"All night last night and day I watched 2008 Paul Pierce versus LeBron," Thomas told reporters after Boston's 115-105 win. "Two superstars going at it, guarding each other."

Related: Kelly Olynyk plays unlikely 4th-quarter hero in Game 7

He's referring to Game 7 of the 2008 conference semis, when James outscored Pierce 45-41, but the Celtics clinched the series at home with a 97-92 win. Boston would go on to win its 17th and most recent NBA title that spring.

Going up against the Cavaliers this time, however, the Celtics are massive underdogs - something that suits Thomas fine. He said NBA media and observers have been counting out Boston all season.

"They didn't give us a chance," he said, according to ESPN's Chris Fosberg. "They didn't give us a chance when we were down 2-0 to Chicago. We got the No. 1 seed, they didn't give us a chance. They don't ever give us a chance, and we just keep going; we don't care about what others say."

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