Mike Coppinger

USA TODAY

The Cleveland Indians now face Game 7 vs. the Chicago Cubs after blowing a 3-1 World Series lead.

Earlier this year, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers who rallied from a 3-1 deficit to top the Golden State Warriors to give the city its first professional sports championship since 1964.

Did the Cavs really earn that title, though, or did the Warriors simply choke?

Paul Pierce, in an appearance on Any Given Wednesday With Bill Simmons (HBO, 10 p.m. ET), considered the question for a moment, and then hesitated — "Oh man."

The Los Angeles Clippers forward and ex-NBA Finals MVP was trying to find the right words. But then he just said it.

"Golden State choked!" Pierce, in a gray suit and dark-rimmed glasses, remarked as he threw his hands down. "Like, seriously? 3-1? 3-1? You're not supposed to lose. 3-1 you should never lose. Golden State choked."

The 39-year-old, who won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, announced he will retire following the season, his 19th. Before then, his Clippers will play the Warriors four times.

"Never," Pierce said when asked if a team he led could meet the same fate as the Warriors in the Finals. "That would never happen."

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