'Best Pure Scorer Ever': Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce Sparks Debate with Bold Self-Claim; LeBron James and Kevin Durant React
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce
recently ignited a firestorm among NBA fans by declaring himself the 'best pure scorer in the history of the NBA,' placing himself above icons like Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant.
The bold assertion came in response to
LeBron James
' recent praise of Durant as the league's most 'equipped' scorer ever on the 'Mind the Game' podcast.
Paul Pierce's Claim and Reasoning
On Fox Sports' 'Speak,' Paul Pierce argued that while Durant's height (6'11') gives him a unique advantage—allowing him to shoot over any defender and 'not really see defense'—Pierce himself should be included in the conversation for greatest pure scorer. He insisted he could do it all offensively: pull up from the elbow, knock down threes, and score in the post.
Pierce did concede that his shooting efficiency was lower than Durant's, admitting, 'I shot more bad shots than Kevin,' but maintained that his overall scoring arsenal was unmatched.
Fan Backlash after Paul's Statement: 'He Needs to Slow Down'
Kevin Durant and LeBron James (Image via Getty Images)
NBA fans were quick and merciless in their response. Social media erupted with disbelief and ridicule:
- 'He's not even a top 50 scorer of all time 😂😂😂.'
- 'For a guy nicknamed The Truth, he sure does lie a lot.'
- 'I love the Truth, but he needs to slow down.'
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- 'Never averaged more than 26 by the way!'
Many pointed to the statistical gap between Pierce and Durant. Durant has averaged 26+ points per game in 13 of his 17 seasons, while Pierce only reached that mark twice and averaged 20+ points per game in eight seasons. Durant's career shooting splits and scoring consistency far outpace Pierce's, making the latter's claim difficult for fans to accept.
Kevin Durant's Reaction to Pierce's Claim
Interestingly,
Kevin Durant
responded with unexpected grace.
Instead of firing back, he supported Paul Pierce's confidence, saying, 'I didn't really see a weakness in Paul's game. I understand where his confidence comes from'. This mutual respect between two generations was a rare moment of sportsmanship amid the heated debate.
Context and Legacy of Pierce's Self Praise
Paul Pierce's confidence is not new; he has a history of outspoken takes, especially in his post-playing media career. While his scoring prowess—highlighted by his 2008 Finals MVP and ranking 18th on the NBA's all-time scoring list—is undeniable, most analysts and fans agree he does not belong in the same tier as Durant when it comes to pure scoring ability.
Durant, still performing at an All-Star level at age 36, continues to demonstrate why he's widely regarded as one of the most unstoppable scorers in league history, combining size, skill, and efficiency at a level few have matched.
Also read:
Austin Reaves' Agent Denies Rift With Luka Doncic as Lakers Reaffirm Commitment to Star Duo
Paul Pierce's self-comparison to Kevin Durant as the NBA's greatest pure scorer was met with widespread skepticism and humor from fans, who pointed to both statistical evidence and the eye test. While Pierce's confidence and career achievements are respected, the consensus remains that Kevin Durant's scoring ability is on another level, and Pierce's claim, as many fans put it, means he 'needs to slow down'.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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