Tonight, Paul Pierce etched his name further in the record books as one of the greatest Boston Celtics in franchise history.
He dropped 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as he passed Larry Bird for second all-time in career scoring for the Green. Boston (14-10) won its fifth straight, 94-84 over the Charlotte Bobcats (3-22) at TD Garden on a night that was all about Pierce.
John Havlicek is No. 1 all-time with 26,395 points, Pierce is second with 21,797, Bird is No. 3 with 21,791, Robert Parish is No. 4 with 18,245 and Kevin McHale is No. 5 with 17,335.
The former 10th overall pick of Boston in the 1998 draft (IE. right after I graduated from eighth grade!) has had a turbulent 13 years. The pudgy former Kansas star has grown up before our eyes both on and off the court. Plus, you have to give him a ton of credit for sticking with a team that was often terrible. He was rewarded with the NBA title in 2008 and he helped the C's reach the Finals again in 2010. More than anything, I'll always remember Pierce for a few things: 1) his clutch ability, 2) his durability and 3) his underrated all-around game.
Hell the Celtics wouldn't be where they are right now, winners of nine of their last 10, if it wasn't for Pierce. Once he got in shape this season, he helped drag them out of irrelevancy by playing some of his best basketball in years. I wouldn't say this for most guys since I think it's corny but Pierce deserves to be a Celtic for life.
This particular game was anti-climatic since it's whole purpose was just to see Pierce pass Bird; everybody knew that the Bobcats-the NBA's worst team-wouldn't beat the Celtics no matter what.
Kevin Garnett had his second consecutive 20+ point game (first time since the beginning of last season) with 22 points and seven rebounds. Ray Allen added 17 points while Rajon Rondo had 10 points, 14 assists and zero turnovers. Brandon Bass put up 13 points off the bench.
Ironically, Garnett (23,659) and Allen (22,583) both have more career points than Pierce at the moment. Extra credit to the Truth though for getting it done with one team while those guys have been on multiple squads in their illustrious careers.
I feel bad for Kemba Walker. The rookie guard from UConn is stuck on a team that is awful and going nowhere (in the standings) for a while. He had 16 points and seven rebounds, imagine if he was on the Knicks or in another good market? Reggie Williams led the Bobcats with 21 points while Derrick Brown had 20 points (10 of 10 shooting) off the bench and Byron Mullens notched 11 points.
After forcing numerous 3-pointers in the first half to get the record, Pierce finally came through with 10:22 left in the third quarter as he drained a three from Rondo that put Boston up 48-40.
I'd run through more of the details from the game but you already got all the information you need. It's best to avoid thinking too much about the Bobcats, they'll make your brain hurt.
Things figure to pick up on Thursday since the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant come to Boston for the only time this season (barring a Finals rematch). Pierce got this record out of the way so they can just focus on beating their most hated rival. Should be an entertaining contest, the Lakers are decent since Kobe is still Kobe plus Andrew Bynum is healthy and Pau Gasol is solid as always. The problem is that Derek Fisher still starts at point guard and LA's bench might be the worst in the NBA.
Greg Stiemsma will be with the Celtics all season since his deal is now guaranteed. He's good insurance as a backup center for when zombie Jermaine O'Neal and Chris Wilcox are hurt which will certainly happen.
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