Epic Comebacks Are Nothing New For Paul Pierce

by Jeff Clark on Jan 27, 2012 6:00 PM EST in Boston Celtics Articles

I am no longer surprised when Paul Pierce leads the team back from deep deficits for an epic comeback. In fact, it has kinda become his thing. Let's go to the history books.

CNNSI.com - 2002 NBA Playoffs - Celtics pull off biggest comeback ever - Saturday May 25, 2002 09:53 PM

Paul Pierce's teammates mobbed him at center court until he broke free and jumped atop the scorer's table. Coach Jim O'Brien's ever-present poker face disappeared, the most stoic of NBA coaches pumping his fist to the crowd and walking triumphantly off the court. The Celtics pulled off the greatest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA playoff history Saturday night, with Pierce scoring 19 of his 28 points in the final 12 minutes as Boston overcame a 21-point deficit to beat the New Jersey Nets 94-90.

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers - Recap - June 12, 2008 - ESPN

No team had ever overcome more than a 15-point deficit after the first quarter, and Elias Sports Bureau said it was the largest comeback in the finals since 1971. One thing's for sure, it will forever be remembered in the annals of Celtics-Lakers lore. When the final horn sounded, Pierce, an L.A. kid playing in front of family and friends, doubled over in exhaustion and exuberance. The Celtics, the team he stuck with through 10 years, including a 24-win season in 2006-07, had done the impossible.

And then of course there was last night.

Observations: Oh, Oh It's Magic - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston

Put another way, Pierce had one fewer second-half bucket than the entire Orlando Magic team (on 22 fewer attempts). Pierce had nine third-quarter points, chipping away at Orlando's 21-point halftime cushion and setting up the improbable final frame. Overall, he contributed a game-high 24 points, overcoming an 0-for-5 start in which he posted a mere five first-half points, with 10 assists over 44:24.

All teams have bad starts where they get into a huge hole early on. Most give up or go through the motions or "play for pride" or stats or whatever. A precious few say, "No, we're not going out like that. We're going to WIN this game." That's our Captain.

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I was at the 2002 game with my son who was 8 years old

It is the loudest I have ever heard the Garden. The second best game I have ever seen live.

by vinnie on Jan 27, 2012 6:19 PM EST reply actions

That sounds amazing.

I was in a hospital in Phoenix (visiting my cousin who had been in a horrible car accident). I remember watching that game with my dad in the waiting room during his surgery and turning it off because we were down by so much.

We walked to KFC, ate some chicken, hung out at the hospital, visited my cousin and went to the hotel. I turned on ESPN and, lo and behold, the Celtics had this amazing comeback! Ugh! That was great and frustrating to miss!

by jd35 on Jan 28, 2012 3:09 AM EST up reply actions

Wow

That’s all I can say about last nite (Orlando)

"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn

by TrueGreen on Jan 27, 2012 6:30 PM EST reply actions

7tony2

ditto

by 7tony2 on Jan 27, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions

I should start a separate post for this but I don’t have time, maybe somebody else can take it up.

Yes, yes, yes to all the above. PP is the man, I love when the offense goes through him, great win, mind blowing. I half saw the game at work from behind the bar, and still went home at 4am watched the whole thing. Awesome.

But what struck me was this: Kevin Garnett. When the game was really on the line in the fourth, he smelled the blood. With Orlando frustrated (before the tech’s) he started helping with the ball pressure. He didn’t go nuts, he kept an eye on his man that was trying help relieve pressure for duhan/nelson. But he was out at half court, knees bent, arms out, cutting off angles and making them think and take time. That takes energy and smarts. (I think that is why he got a brief rest around 3 minutes. Even if his lift is gone, as many say, that doesn’t nessarily mean his motor for covering ground is gone. Great, great effort by KG.

by chicagogreen on Jan 27, 2012 6:42 PM EST reply actions

Glad You Mentioned KG

KG seems quicker, his reflexes seem faster, and he’s making the type of defensive plays that KG makes. He gave Howard fits last nite, even when he wasn’t guarding him. I don’t know if he’s getting his timing or if his conditioning is better or if he’s getting used to playing without Perk, but KG is playing much better ball now compared to earlier on.

"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn

by TrueGreen on Jan 27, 2012 6:51 PM EST up reply actions

Noticed that too.

KG was roaming on defense even when he was playing center with Bass as his partner. And this is when KG is at his best roaming around giving help defense. He gets those blocks coming out of nowhere. That’s why we still need preferably a defensive center patrolling the middle then KG can move around giving help defense when a teammate gets beat.

by LarryBird33 on Jan 27, 2012 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

7tony2

he is in better shape and is hungry

by 7tony2 on Jan 27, 2012 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

Yes Pierce has had several of these comebacks.....

I wonder has Kobe done this as well? Lead a comeback? From the Lakers games I watched…..his teammates lead the comeback and Kobe just takes over after the game is tied.

That’s why Pierce is special….and truly a Celtic!

by LarryBird33 on Jan 27, 2012 7:35 PM EST reply actions

haha! i agree

I don’t have any hard facts on this, but from what I’ve seen from Kobe, it seems to be true. When he’s in a funk and they get blown out, it seems like Kobe has an indifferent demeanor about him. He continues taking bad shots, Phil scoffs at him, the team makes a comeback, and he takes over.

LOL!

by Keltic on Jan 27, 2012 8:47 PM EST up reply actions