Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) defends against Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) in game three of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat is forged because the two teams have met for several significant Eastern Conference playoff series over the years.

The animosity between the teams, players, and fans has held strong over the years and is evident with this year’s playoff series, in which the 1-seed Celtics currently lead 1-0.

Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently spoke with The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz where they are avowed Heat fans. The two sides put their issues aside to talk about the history between the two teams and fanbases. And while time marches forward, Pierce made it clear that he still does not care for Miami or its fans.

“The hatred for you is strong in Miami. You delight in this,” said Le Batard. “You take pride that Miami still hates you, correct?”

“Oh yeah, I just retweeted the game-winner I hit on them in 2010,” said Pierce. “We got no love for Miami. So, it is what it is. I bleed green. Y’all know what it is, so, that’s what it is.”

Don’t expect to see Paul Pierce getting too many high-fives next time he’s strolling Miami Beach. Then again, he’ll get more than plenty of them for the rest of his life when walking around Boston.

[The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.