Jun 6, 2008 10:50 am US/Eastern
Column: Pierce Becoming A True Celtic Legend
Reporting
Dan Roche
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
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With 6:49 left in the third quarter, Pierce was deep in the lane when teammate Kendrick Perkins crashed into him from behind, crumpling Boston's No. 34 to the court. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
It's probably one the hardest franchises to make your mark on - along with the New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens. However, Paul Pierce has done it.
We will forever remember his night in
Game One of the 2008 NBA Finals.
All the talk surrounding the Finals was of the past. Magic vs Larry. Russell, Havlicek, Parish, McHale vs Baylor, West, Kareem, Worthy. Celtics vs Lakers. The rivalry finally back after 21 long years.
But on this night, the legend came in the form of "Celtics present" a.k.a Paul Pierce.
When he had to be carried off the floor and wheelchaired to the Celtics lockeroom in the third quarter all looked lost for Boston. Imagine if he was done for the Finals before they even began? Yes, it looked grim.
But wait. Only a few minutes - minutes - after he went down, out comes Paul Pierce out of the lockeroom, out the tunnel and back onto the floor. The miracle of miracles. It was just like Larry Bird when his head hit the floor so hard against Indiana that the "Old Garden" shook, but he too came back.
It was a true Celtic moment.
And then, Pierce didn't just come back. He hit two huge three-pointers and carried the Celts to a Game One victory.
Yes, it's all coming together for Pierce. He got what he desperately wanted this season - help. K-G, Ray, Posey, House, Brown - help. He helped get his team onto the biggest stage in the NBA. He's done it all this postseason as well. He's had huge offensive games (Game 7 vs Lebron James, 4th quarter of Game 6 at Detroit) and he's been ridiculously good defensively (shutting down Joe Johnson, Lebron, and Tayshawn Prince).
And now, after Game One, he is a true Celtic Legend.
Move over Larry, Bill, Cooz, KC, Chief, Kevin, Hondo, and yes, Red. You've got company.
Welcome to an elite club, Mr. Pierce.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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