The most intense matchup in this series has been between (LeBron) James and Indiana’s Danny Granger, who has not shied away from being physical with Miami’s superstar.

Granger and James have had altercations in the past two games, with their teammates stepping in to separate them before either could do anything they’d regret. Granger was called for a technical Thursday after he pulled James’ jersey on a breakaway and then took exception to an elbow extended toward his face.

”That’s part of basketball. That’s two men battling,” Granger said. ”I’m not backing down from anybody, and he’s not backing down from anybody. And when you get that, you get some altercations.”

(Frank) Vogel has preached all season for his players to have an ”edge,” but doesn’t want them to do anything that could hurt the team.

via Tom Withers of the Associated Press