BOSTON -- For much of this series Paul Pierce has played the role of crash-test dummy, languishing -- some would say suffering -- as LeBron James' hip-checking shadow.
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| Paul Pierce vs. LeBron in Game 7 of the Eastern semis is an instant classic. (Getty Images) |
Pierce's defense on James has been exemplary, yet a part of Pierce, an excellent scorer, must have tired of playing the role of noble Centurion and desired to open up a 30-point can of whoop ass.
Well, open one he did. A nearly Costco-sized can to boot.
Pierce, to be blunt, saved the Celtics, dropping 41 points and making 11 of 12 free throws. It was the biggest game of his life in what turned out to be a torrid battle between him and James, a battle that will be remembered for many, many years.
Boston 97 Cleveland 92. Game 7 choke jobs: 0.
Pierce's day will go down in Celtics lore. It might not be on the same level as some of the great Boston players in championship games but when a star like Pierce wills his team to a Game 7 victory, as a Celtic, you've done something special.
"I went into this game thinking I'm not ready to start my summer vacation," Pierce said.
He almost did thanks to James dropping 45. James and Pierce put on a good, old fashioned ABA-like show. The only thing missing was dancing bears and Corn Dog Night.
It was reminiscent of Bird and Jordan or perhaps more specifically the Bird-Dominique Wilkins Game 7 in May of 1988. Wilkins had 47 points and Bird scored 20 of his 34 in the final quarter. It is considered one of the great games in postseason history because, like this one, you had two stars going back and forth as teammates and fans watched in utter amazement.
Kevin Garnett joked that Boston's game plan was to "get the ball to Paul Pierce and get the hell out of the way."
"Two heavyweights," said Pierce, "going at it, throwing body blows."
"This is the breakout game I know he's been waiting for," James said of Pierce.
