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Cleveland Cavaliers PG George Hill knows what it's like to lose to LeBron James in the NBA Playoffs

The now-Cavs teammates have become plenty familiar with one another in the NBA Playoffs.
Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Tell George Hill the battles between his Indiana Pacers and LeBron James' Miami Heat in the early-2010s were some of the most intense you've ever seen and the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard will find another adjective for you.

"Some of the most hated," Hill injected.

From 2012-2014, the now-Cavs teammates became plenty familiar with one another in postseason play.

In three straight years, the Heat and Pacers faced off in the playoffs -- the latter of their two matchups coming in the Eastern Conference Finals. Each Miami-Indiana series -- none of which lasted fewer than six games -- came with a familiar finish, with James and the Heat advancing to the next round.

"At the end of the year, it sucked. You go home and you're so close for three straight years," Hill said following Cavs practice on Thursday. "We got to play one of the best teams that was orchestrated in those Miami Heat teams those last couple of years, but we could never get over the hump. It was like those old days back with Jordan and Pippen and Rodman and them. We just ran across a three-headed monster."

Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Cavs aren't quite a three-headed monster just yet, although the situation Hill now finds himself in is preferable to the one he did as recently as four years ago. Rather than playing against James, the 31-year-old point guard will now suit up alongside him for a playoff matchup -- and will do so against the Pacers of all teams.

Hill, who not only spent five seasons playing in Indiana, but is also a native of Indianapolis and product of IUPUI, insists that aside from some home-cooking, this series will be just like any other for him. After all, the playoffs have become a familiar place for Hill dating back his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs.

"My first year I played a lot during the regular season, got to the playoffs and Coach [Gregg Popovich] wasn't big on playing rookies at that time," Hill recalled. "I came in Game 4 playing Dallas and I think my first game had 15 points and I've played ever since."

The now-10-year pro actually had 9 points in the Spurs' Game 4 loss to the Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals, but that doesn't change the reputation he's built for himself as a playoffs player.

With eight of his first nine NBA seasons having resulted in a playoffs appearance, Hill has averaged 13.8 points in 83 postseason games -- more than two points more than his career scoring average.

Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland, which has played shorthanded for much of the current campaign, will need a similar output this postseason -- particularly against a Pacers team that boasts one of the Eastern Conference's best backcourts.

"I love this time of year, playoffs," Hill said. "I feel like that's when I play my best ball and things like that. Earlier in the year [before being traded to the Cavs] I didn't think it was possible, so I'm happy for the opportunity."

It also doesn't hurt that for the first time in his career, he now has LeBron on his side.

"The good thing is we got the best player in the world playing for us," Hill said. "I'm very excited about that. I don't get to get put out by him this year, which I did a lot in my career.

"I'm happy to be on the other side."

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