LeBron James says that he has no idea how he restrained himself amid all of the antics from Lance Stephenson.
Stephenson did a number of things to James while guarding him in the Eastern Conference finals, including hitting him in the face during a break and blowing in his ear.
The actions eventually earned a rebuke from Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird, although that didn’t seem to stop Stephenson.
The Heat sealed the series in six games on Friday night.
James says that it took a lot not to retaliate against Stephenson.
“I don’t know. I have no idea how I restrained. I don’t know, I guess I just understand what the bigger picture is,” he told Pro Basketball Talk.
“It was uncalled for, for sure. That was — I don’t know. I’m at a loss of words with that, but it was uncalled for, and I was able to move on from it. I let him know how I felt.”
James helped win the series for the Heat, ultimately, while Stephenson and the Pacers are heading home again without a spot in the NBA Finals.
Stephenson did post a message of congratulations to James and the Heat after the loss.
“I have much respect for LeBron and the heat. This was a great series they deserve it all love to Heat,” he said.
“Want to say that I’m so proud of my teammates we work so hard all year to get to point, Everything is a learning experience and getting better every year love u guys Pacer nation and thanks to all of our Pacer fans love y’all too
