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DraftKings Post-Ups: Pierce's Last Go at the Garden?

Wednesday, February 10 - Clippers vs. Celtics

Pregame - Pierce's Last Go at the Garden?

BOSTON – Paul Pierce has played countless games at TD Garden during his 18-year NBA career, and tonight, he says, may be his last.

“This could be [my final time],” Pierce said before he and the Los Angeles Clippers tipped off against the Celtics this evening. “I’m not 100 percent sure, but like I’ve been saying the last two years, I’m taking it year by year. But this could possibly be it.”

After spending 15 seasons in a Celtics uniform, Pierce has gradually switched gears from being from the face of a franchise to a role player. This season – his first with his hometown Clippers – he is averaging less than 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career, and is tallying just 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

“As you get older you just kind of find your role around the other stars on the team and that’s what I’m trying to do with this ball club here,” said Pierce, who has accepted the role change without complaint.

Despite the decline in playing time, it’s been a special season for Pierce given the fact that he has reunited with his former Celtics coach, Doc Rivers, on the Clippers’ sideline.

The mutual respect between the pair is as strong as any player-coach relationship in the league, and Rivers embraces Pierce’s presence as if he is one of his assistant coaches.

“He gives us leadership. He gives us truth,” said Rivers. “Instead of me using my voice, I can use Paul’s voice, and that has been really nice for me.”

Every time Rivers and Pierce step back into Boston – and the Garden specifically – the memories begin rushing back. They spent nine seasons together on Causeway Street; of course one season always stands high above the others: the 2008 championship campaign.

Rivers says that banner season would never have been possible if it weren’t for Pierce’s unique loyalty to the organization.

“He went through more than any of us,” said Rivers. “He went through tough times before I got here. We went through tough times together, yet he’s not one of those guys that never asked to leave; he never wanted to bail, he stuck it out and got rewarded for it.

“You look at today’s game and everyone’s bailing. Paul is one of the guys – never thought of it, never wanted to do it, and he was rewarded with a title. I think of all our guys, Kevin (Garnett), Ray (Allen), (Rajon) Rondo… Paul’s the one to me. He’s the one guy who we should really zero in our credit to and give him the most praise.”

Because of his impact and allegiance to the Celtics organization, Pierce will forever be held in the highest regard in the city of Boston. Brad Stevens, who took the helm as Boston’s head coach shortly after Pierce was traded in 2013, respects Pierce’s legacy to the utmost degree.

“When you see a guy like Paul, who’s going to be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer,” said Stevens. “All that he meant to this franchise, and continues to mean to this franchise… it’s amazing and it’s fun to see the reception [he and Rivers] get.”

That surely will not change tonight. When Pierce and Rivers are introduced over the Garden’s public address system, this building will be rocking as Celtics Nation cheers them relentlessly.

“It’s always special to step in the Garden,” said Pierce. “This was the bulk of my career; I spent 15 years here, provided so many memories, won a championship here… special floor, special fans, special building. I always savor the moments that I can step on this court.”

It’s uncertain whether or not this will be Pierce’s last time playing in TD Garden, so cherish every moment he spends on the parquet floor tonight.

He certainly will, as always.

- Taylor C. Snow