The legendary career of Paul Pierce hit another wild turn this afternoon in a game against the Celtics, his former team for 15 seasons. 18 years removed from making his NBA debut in Boston as a member of the Celtics, Pierce competed in Boston for the final time.
Before the game, it was announced by Doc Rivers that Pierce would be given the starting nod at small forward, an announcement that elated the scores of fans who showed up to the game wearing his old Celtics gear.
Pierce, as you would expect, was noticeably emotional before the game tipped off. Tears streamed down his cheeks during introductions, and an iconic kiss to the Celtics logo at midcourt sent waves of shivers across TD Garden.
The Boston Crowd is already showing Paul Pierce a ton of love as he takes the court at TD Garden for the final timepic.twitter.com/5WQzTT2hdr
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 5, 2017
Paul Pierce introduced for the final time in Boston pic.twitter.com/X31R3GLnB7
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 5, 2017
The Celtics also gave Pierce a heartfelt video tribute, highlighting the most memorable moments in his Boston career.
Paul Pierce got the love from Boston today.pic.twitter.com/ArNqQ4tTSg
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 5, 2017
Pierce only played for five minutes before the fourth quarter. Boston had a significant lead for much of the game, but the Clippers were beginning to climb back into it.
With roughly three minutes left in the game, TD Garden started to come alive. All of the sudden, chants of, “Paul Pierce” and “we want Paul” were reigning throughout. With 19 seconds left, number 34 made his way to the scores table in Boston for the final time. Fans gave him a standing ovation.
Paul Pierce gets a well deserved standing ovation from the fans as he takes the court for the final time in Boston.https://t.co/Sj2Fd4KdWr
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 5, 2017
What happened next was nothing short of magical. In a way that fully encapsulates what Paul Pierce did while wearing Celtics green, Pierce nailed a deep three-pointer with 12 seconds left.
The arena nearly exploded.
Oh my God pic.twitter.com/rcSeHVfy2X
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 5, 2017
Paul Pierce enters the game for the final time in Boston and he drains the 3!
Amazing
(Via @clippittv) pic.twitter.com/OwDdR2jvQq
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 5, 2017
Everyone in the arena knew the shot was falling as soon as it came off of his fingertips. Pierce made a career off of nailing big time shots in late games.
Doc Rivers on why he put Paul Pierce back into the game: "Because the fans made me. I mean, I’m no dummy."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 5, 2017
Doc Rivers on Paul Pierce hitting his final shot at TD Garden: "For Paul, that was perfect. That was perfect."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 5, 2017
“I’m glad I ended it that way,” Pierce said after the game.
A career in Boston that included multiple All-Star sections, a Most Valuable Player Award and an NBA championship came to a magical close on Sunday afternoon.
Pierce gave his final postgame interview in Boston, calling Celtics fans the greatest fans in the word.
“These great fans, they truly appreciate what I have been able to do for this franchise, and I just really feel the love,” Pierce said. “I’m thankful to be able to come in here one last time.”
And so Paul Pierce walked out of Boston the same way he entered 18 years ago: With confidence, swagger, and an immeasurable appreciation for the city of Boston.
His kiss to the Celtics logo after the final buzzer sealed what’s been a special day, and what was a special career for Paul Pierce in Boston.
“I’m glad I was able to cap it off, my last game in the Garden, at least I can just say I put one last bucket in at the end of the game,” Pierce said (via Jay King of masslive.com). “To be able to step on the court, get one last shot, bury it, give the fans something, wave to the crowd, kiss Lucky – I’m happy. I’m satisfied. I can put it all to rest now.”
