Paul Pierce played for the Boston Celtics for 15 seasons, starting in 1998-99 and ending in 2012-13. He’s the team record holder for countless statistics, he won a championship in 2008 with former teammates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, and he’s beloved at Boston’s TD Garden.
Pierce, 39, now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers after stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, and on Sunday he returned to Boston for the last time.
As a gesture, former Celtics and current Clippers coach Doc Rivers started Pierce for his final game at TD Garden.
The ramp-up to the game was special, with the Celtics handing out headbands with Pierce’s number on it to honor him.
Once they got closer to tip, the Boston welcomed Pierce with open arms in a couple of special moments:
The Truth. pic.twitter.com/zd7gEHHJtA
— NBA (@NBA) February 5, 2017
Paul Pierce really felt that ovation ☘️👏 pic.twitter.com/nMCwZIh3g3
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 5, 2017
Hear Paul Pierce "wired" in his final game in Boston!#NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/e1sv14zyrl
— NBA (@NBA) February 5, 2017
Then Pierce gave the logo at center court one last kiss goodbye:
One last kiss for Lucky from The Truth ☘️ pic.twitter.com/AgEkgru7Ep
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 5, 2017
