Pierce stars in his moment of Truth

May 19, 2008|Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist

(Page 3 of 3)

His contributions were hardly limited to points. He had five assists and he provided the Celtics with a vital possession when he sniffed out man mountain Ilgauskas's intentions on a jump ball with James Posey, knocking Big Z's intended tip toward a teammate away, diving on the floor, and getting a necessary timeout with 58 seconds to play and the Celtics leading, 91-88.

"That was a big possession at the time," Pierce noted. "In the playoffs, you've got to treat every possession as if it's your last."

In a better world, Paul Pierce would be able to put his feet up and rest a spell. This Cleveland series was hard work.

"This is one of the tougher, if not the toughest, guys I guard," he said in reference to LeBron. "I'm glad this series is over. He wears you out. Your body is sore. It's massages. Hot tubs."

It doesn't help if you are knocked into a TV camera, as he was by Sasha Pavlovic near the end of the half yesterday

But the problem with going seven is that there is no rest. Detroit is here tomorrow night. Perhaps this time, a simple 20 or 25 will get the job done. But if any Celtic can get 40, it's Captain Paul Pierce.

Bob Ryan is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at ryan@globe.com.

READER COMMENTS »

View reader comments » Comment on this story »