BOSTON – We don’t always get the endings in life that we ask for.
Paul Pierce admitted as much the day before what will likely be his final game playing in Boston.
“I always wished I’d end my career playing for the Boston Celtics,” Pierce said.
But, plans change.
The lifelong Lakers fan from the shadows of The Forum didn’t plan on being drafted by the Celtics – “They weren’t even on my radar,” he said.
But, like Pierce’s family told him on the night the Celtics drafted him – things happen for a reason.
Sunday, with Celtics fans wearing his number and chanting his name 19 years to the date after he debuted for them, tears filled the corner of Pierce’s eyes.
With seconds left, Pierce, back in the game with the final already decided, swished a 3.
These were the moments. This was how it all worked out.
While it all worked out for Pierce, it’s unclear when – or if – it’ll all come together for his current team.
Under siege from Boston’s long-range barrage, the Clippers couldn’t get Pierce a final win in the TD Garden, losing 107-102.
The Celtics attempted 16 3s, making 52, as they stopped every Clippers run with ball movement that led to an open shooter.
And even with the Clippers chipping away at the Boston lead in the fourth, getting within four in the final minute, the defense simply couldn’t get enough stops.
But for the fans who stayed to the final buzzer, the score was secondary to the tributes.
The cheers poured in for Pierce at every opportunity – when he ran on the floor and when they announced his name as starting small forward. Those caused chills. The video tribute during the game’s first timeout? That caused the tears.
And with fans screaming for Pierce after five first-quarter minutes, Doc Rivers relented and put Pierce back in the game, where he hit the most meaningful, meaningless shot.
For Pierce, it was the perfect ending while the Clippers were still left waiting for theirs.
Contact the writer: dwoike@scng.com
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