Skip to main content

“Seen some games that I’ll never forget about, still have nightmares about it” – Paul Pierce would choose LeBron over Kevin Durant in a winner-takes-it-all game

Posted on August 2, 2024 - 12:49 pm by

‘The Truth’ says he hasn’t Kevin Durant leading his team to a triumph single-handedly.    

Following LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s combined 44-point effort that propelled Team USA to kick start their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign on the highest note, discussions have centered on each player’s form and importance for Steve Kerr’s team to secure a gold medal in France. While it is highly challenging to pick one amongst these two, the decision seems easy for Paul Pierce.

If it was about one game to win it all, ‘The Truth’ would pick The King over The Slim Reaper without a second thought.

Pierce on why he would pick LeBorn over KD

Speaking on Undisputed, the 2008 Finals MVP elaborated on his choice, noting that throughout his two-decade-long NBA career, the four-time MVP has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead his team single-handedly to success when the stakes are high. In contrast, Pierce argued that KD has yet to experience such a defining moment.



He specifically recalled the 2015 Western Conference Finals, where Durant failed to guide his OKC Thunder past the Warriors into the championship round despite holding a 3-1 lead.

“I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve seen some games that I’ll probably never forget and I still have nightmares about it. I love KD and I know what he can do on the scoring side of the ball but when I go back and look at Game 6 in Boston – the game of LeBron’s life, he delivered,” Pierce said. “I can’t really think of a game where KD just… I always look back at Game 6 and 7, when they were up 3-1 on the Golden State Warriors… So, if I need just one game for my life… I gotta go LeBron.”

P-Double accurately highlighted James’ legendary playoff performances—his 45-point, 15-rebound game at TD Garden in Game 6 of the 2012 EC Finals or iconic block against the Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. Even at 39, the Akron native is still expected to be a decisive factor in the Lakers’ playoff series. On the other hand, despite Durant averaging 31.6 points in the final three games of the 2015 WC Finals, he could not secure a win for his team.

That being said, this comparison rightly underscored Pierce’s pick. The four-time NBA Champion’s ability to lead his team to success through different comprehensive plays rather than just scoring gives him a greater impact than Durant.

Skip Bayless holds a different view

Considering that Team USA had numerous close games during their set of five exhibition matches en route to the Olympics, it was vital for them to commence their campaign in the best way possible. Taking the responsibility head-on, a returning Durant shot 8-of-9 from the field, leading Team USA with 23 points. This prompted Bayless to favor the Phoenix Suns star over James in big games, thereby overlooking the four-time Finals MVP’s overall contribution of 21 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.



That being said, while both stars have different responsibilities for Team USA this summer if they can maintain their current form, the Americans will undoubtedly be unbeatable.