Paul Pierce left for the Boston Celtics locker room late in the second quarter in Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks after bumping knees with Joe Johnson while fighting through a screen. Pierce went down on the court in a heap, but was able to get up moments later and walk off the court gingerly. Luckily, he should be making his way back onto the court.

Paul Pierce sore left knee; probable to return, according to Celtics.

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) May 7, 2012

Though Pierce is likely to return, he will keep his knee iced through halftime. He was playing very well before leaving. Before visiting the team's medical staff, he led all players with 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting. He also had three rebounds and a blocked shot.

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