The Boston Celtics prevailed Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks largely on the basis of a team-wide commitment to defense. Kevin Garnett and Avery Bradley led the charge, Ryan Hollins and Marquis Daniels shined in rare appearances off the bench, and the Celtics limited Atlanta to just 34.9 percent shooting for the game and 14 points in the final quarter.
But without Paul Pierce, the Celtics would not have had enough offensive power to earn the Game 2 victory and even the series at 1-1. The Truth contributed 36 points and 14 rebounds while penning the latest chapter in his memoir, pouring in 13 points during Boston's pivotal fourth-quarter charge.
"Paul Pierce, he showed us exactly who he really was. He's the captain of this team," CSNNE analyst Donny Marshall said, adding, "Doc Rivers said, 'This was a team win.' But it was all set up by Paul Pierce putting them on his back."
For more discussion of Pierce's big night, watch the video below:
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