The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets continues to intensify.  In the Nets' first season, there was a healthy competition between the two teams, but after Brooklyn made some big upgrades to their roster war of words is starting.

Recently, newly signed Net Paul Pierce went on New York's 98.7 FM and said the Nets would run the city. He said that while he hated the Knicks when he played in Boston, he really hates them now.

"I think the hate [for the Knicks] has grown a little. Everybody knows how much I disliked the Knicks when I was with the Celtics, but I think it's grown to another level," Pierce said. "I think it's time for the Nets to start running this city."

Now Pierce's comments have the whole city talking, including Knicks' die-hard, Spike Lee. The director has never been the biggest fan of Pierce's or his long-time teammate, Kevin Garnett. Now that both are in New York and trying to push the rivalry, Lee really is not happy.

"Other teams are making a lot of noise with their big, major announcements with every move, like the Nets," Lee told ESPNNewYork.com. "The Knicks have been very quiet assembling their team, which I love. I love the fact that people are picking the Knicks fifth or lower in the East. It's great; let people think that. Paul Pierce is talking crazy."

Lee already has history with Garnett. During a game at Madison Square Garden back in 2011, Garnett said some choice words to the director who is constantly a sideline presence at all Knicks home games. Lee told ESPN back after the incident that Garnett needs to "calm down." He accused the veteran of being disrespectful. The two do not speak to each other.

Lee of course had to boost up his Knicks. The director is thrilled with the Metta World Peace signing and believes he will be the perfect defensive presence against players like LeBron James and Joe Johnson.

"I love that move. He's not done; he's got a lot left," Lee said. "I love him on LeBron [James] at the end of the game. I love him on Paul Pierce or Joe Johnson at the end of the game. He can play five positions."

Lee remains confident that the Easter Conference will be the best in the NBA but he is not placing his money on the Miami Heat winning a third championship in a row. He believes the team to beat now is the Indiana Pacers alongside Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert.