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LeBron James discusses getting called for a technical foul after shoving Lance Stephenson

James had the perfect analogy after being baited by his longtime nemesis.
Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS -- Given how narrow the margins have been for his team in this series, LeBron James knew the technical foul he was called for in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday night was hardly ideal. So when a reporter suggested that three points already separated the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers when James was called for the foul after shoving Lance Stephenson, the 4-time MVP was quick to correct him.

"Two," James correctly asserted, as the Pacers had been leading the Cavs 91-89 with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter when he was called for the foul.

Indiana All-Star guard Victor Oladipo proceeded to make the ensuing free throw, but it wouldn't be enough. Cleveland answered back with a 7-1 run, before ultimately earning a 104-100 victory to even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

Perhaps that's why when asked about his technical, James felt comfortable answering in a jovial manner. After all, his history with Stephenson has been well-documented, dating back to James' time as a member of the Miami Heat.

"I should have never gotten a tech in the first place," James said. "There's a timeout called and there's a guy following me to my bench. I gave him a little nudge and he falls to half court. Come on."

James, who has already had earlier run-ins with Stephenson in this series, went on to compare the altercation to elementary school.

"I should know better. I've been dealing with this since elementary school. It's like I tell you a joke and then you laugh and you get caught. That's what happened," James said with a smile. "Lance told me a joke, I laughed, teacher caught me and now I gotta go see the principal."

Despite James' "trip to the principal's office" the Cavs' came out on top, as the Pacers made just two more field goals in the ensuing six minutes. As a result, Cleveland regained home-court advantage, with the series shifting back to Quicken Loans Arena for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Claiming to have learned his lesson, James will surely be on his best behavior. The same, however, likely won't be able to be said about Stephenson, who has made a career out of being one of the NBA's top agitators -- with James being his most infamous target.

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