Indiana Pacers’ Danny Granger: I am not going to back down from LeBron James – NBA Playoffs Update
The Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat are locked in a physical battle in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi Finals and at the centre of the battle are LeBron James and Danny Granger. The two have had confrontations already in the series and judging from the
statement of Granger, the temperature won’t be going down any time soon.
"That's part of basketball. That's part of two men battling," Granger said after the Pacers' practice Saturday. "I'm not going to back down from anybody and he's not going to back down from anybody. And when you get that, you'll get some altercations."
James and Danny had an altercation in the regular season and have been face to face twice in the 3-games so far in the playoffs series. The first time was when they pushed each other fighting for a rebound and James acted out, earning technicals for both
players.
The second time was in the game-3 meeting when Granger fouled James to stop a fast break and James put his elbow out, although it missed Granger. Danny took exception to James actions and rushed to confront him, earning himself another technical foul.
It is a situation being closely monitored by Pacers head coach Frank Vogel. Vogel has overseen the physical approach of the Pacers in the season and now in the playoff. He isn’t averse to getting in the opposition’s face, but he said he has warned his players
not to cross the line and earn a suspension.
"They understand very clearly that we are not interested in any type of ejection or suspension," Vogel said. "But they also understand very clearly that a key to this series is letting the Miami Heat know that we're not backing down from them."
LeBron James on the other hand seemed indifferent. The Miami Heat super star is already under immense pressure with his side down 2 – 1 in the series. Add to it the fact that Chris Bosh is out injured and Dwyane Wade is woefully short of form, and the NBA
Most Valuable Player already has enough on his plate.
James thus played down the rivalry and said that he is only focused on letting his game do the talking.
"I'm not no monster. This ain't no horror movie," James said in response after Miami's practice. "I'm not trying to scare nobody. I'm trying to play basketball.”
Granger and LeBron will face off again when the Heat face Indiana for game-4 of the series.
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