Paul Pierce plays down LeBron James rivalry

Pierce and James have a history of run-ins, an intense rivalry built over the course of five play-off meetings in the past seven seasons.

The two players, who share three NBA championships between them, have reportedly exchanged heated words on the court over the years.

However, Pierce - now with the Washington Wizards - stressed to reporters on Thursday that there is no bad blood with the Cleveland Cavaliers star.

"I think a lot of it is really misunderstood," Pierce said ahead of Friday's showdown. "If I see LeBron walking down the street, it's not going to be no fistfight.

"I've got a lot of respect for him. It's like fighting for the same girl. How am I going to be cool with that guy? I've got total respect for him as a person. It's just the thing we go through on the court."

Pierce, who is in his 17th NBA season, added: "It's just the competitive nature of both of us being at the same position, being on the top teams, gunning for the same trophy year in and year out, and that's where that comes into play.

"It's just something about great players when they play in certain arenas or against other great players. They elevate their play.

"LeBron is one of those guys. He feels the moment. He understands the moment. And this could be a moment tomorrow."