8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

A Retrospective of the LeBron James vs. Indiana Pacers Rivalry

By Jared Wade

Oct 15, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at the Cintas Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at the Cintas Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dap

by Ben Gibson

This is still one of my favorite moments as a basketball fan from the past few years. Paul George had the ball at the top of the key and made a hesitation move on Lebron James, freezing him just enough to get by the King.

As James tried to recover, Chris Anderson was a step late as well trying to protect the rim, leading to posterization and the foul.

This play, in the 2013 playoffs, is still the moment when you could say you knew Paul George would be one of the league’s next superstars. George being able to take one of the all-time greats in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals would have been worthy enough to remain in the minds of Indiana Pacers fans.

But what happened next made it, for me, an iconic playoff moment.

With Paul George guarding him from 29 feet out, LeBron returned the favor by knocking down a deep 3-pointer as the third quarter expired. The shot was impressive enough in its own right. What put it into the annals, though, was the dap at mid-court as the two players went to their benches.

It was a cool moment to see the two acknowledge the sequence of plays and non-verbally agree that it was awesome. The plays were over-the-top, but the subtle acknowledgement of what had transpired was perfect. It was as if LeBron was welcoming the young fella to his exclusive club.

Next: Lend Me Your Ear

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