Yesterday Pierce was Bird-like.

[wdleehi]

I will say this is Bird like, taking over two deciding games in this playoffs. 

[BudweiserCeltic]

His finishing around the basket better, playing more patiently, using basic moves, head fakes, jumpstop... but he's using his midrange game more, which is so good, and he has been shooting the ball as good as anyone out there.

[Redz]

I will say this is Bird like, taking over two deciding games in this playoffs. 

Pierce was the totally poised tonight.  Even on the crappy foul against him.  Awesome game

[nickagneta]

I will say this is Bird like, taking over two deciding games in this playoffs. 

Great point wd. bird was definitely a master of sticking the knife in and closing it out. And for two straight series Pierce's biggest game has come on the series deciding and ending game.

Very Bird-like indeed.

[Robb]

I think it's important to note that the last two series' have ended on Pierce's best game, but they could have ended earlier.  The Celtics played two elimination games against the Hawks, two against the Cavs and one against the Pistons.  So Pierce has had two great games in five elimination games.

I think it makes the point that he's incredibly integral to the team's success.  When he's on in an elimination game, they win.  So while it's important to note that the individual games in a vacuum have been great, looking at the larger body of work is what made Larry Bird the player he was.  Pierce has had some great games in some important games, but Larry Bird had a career of great games in a career of important games.

[Who]

I think it's important to note that the last two series' have ended on Pierce's best game, but they could have ended earlier.  The Celtics played two elimination games against the Hawks, two against the Cavs and one against the Pistons.  So Pierce has had two great games in five elimination games.

I think it makes the point that he's incredibly integral to the team's success.  When he's on in an elimination game, they win.

Pierce is the guy ... he's the one all his teammates look to when times are tough. It's been that way all season long.

[Cman]

I think it's important to note that the last two series' have ended on Pierce's best game, but they could have ended earlier.  The Celtics played two elimination games against the Hawks, two against the Cavs and one against the Pistons.  So Pierce has had two great games in five elimination games.

I think it makes the point that he's incredibly integral to the team's success.  When he's on in an elimination game, they win.

Pierce is the guy ... he's the one all his teammates look to when times are tough. It's been that way all season long.

Agreed, and I am so happy about the Finals appearance, but my one fear is that the media will hype Celtics=Pierce and Lakers=Bryant.  I think Paul Pierce needs to go out of his way in the next week to keep reminding people that the Celtics are a *team* not a one man show.  Ubuntu.

[nickagneta]

After trophy presentation:

Pierce: Booyah!

Team: Celtics!!!

Pierce: Booyah!

Team: Celtics!!!

Pierce: Booyah!

Team: Celtics!!!

Pierce and Team: Ubuntu!!!!

Pierce: We outta here!!

[Who]

I think it's important to note that the last two series' have ended on Pierce's best game, but they could have ended earlier.  The Celtics played two elimination games against the Hawks, two against the Cavs and one against the Pistons.  So Pierce has had two great games in five elimination games.

I think it makes the point that he's incredibly integral to the team's success.  When he's on in an elimination game, they win.

Pierce is the guy ... he's the one all his teammates look to when times are tough. It's been that way all season long.

Agreed, and I am so happy about the Finals appearance, but my one fear is that the media will hype Celtics=Pierce and Lakers=Bryant.  I think Paul Pierce needs to go out of his way in the next week to keep reminding people that the Celtics are a *team* not a one man show.  Ubuntu.

Actually I'm okay with that ... with Paul getting sucked in to a mano-o-mano situation. Oddly enough.

I didn't like it against a few other teams, like Cleveland, because they defended him really well and we ended up with turnovers and a disjointed offense. But against LA? The Lakers have nobody that can stop him. I want Paul to be a bit more self important in this series, I think it'll help the team. I'd be happy with that.

[Sweet17]

I don't think any player can match "Bird" in the views of the late 80's fan. I think Bird was better and I don't mean to diminish Bird. But part of what made Bird great was how he burst on the scene and saved basketball. How he at the time didn't have alot of players with a well rounded game like his - outside of Magic.

But PP was very Bird like - and played against much better defense then he ever faced. That's why Tommy correctly calls him the best offensive Celtic player ever. I can't stress the defense bit enough. They played alot less D in the 80s.  It's not just intesity that hurt D back then it was the rules. I DO encourage people to watch tape. The Bird pedestal is too high right now.

I just love how mentally PP is approaching this right now. People STILL think in the wrong mindset. It's not about how many points you score in a quarter but the decisions you make. PP is making EXCELLENT basketball plays down the stretch. He isn't trying to be a hero - just making smart plays scoring where he can and passing to open guys..

Pete

[makaveli]

what he does for this team to win, nobody else does

[celticmaestro]

to an extent pierce was bird-like, as he was in game 7 against cleveland.

let's hope he does what bird did and lead this team to the promised land.

[Brickowski]

Pierce played well, but he wasn't Bird-like.  For starters, Bird would never have missed that free throw at the end.

[Birdbrain]

I'll take Pierce like.  Larry had his day(s)today belongs Paul.  Congrats to Paul for keeping your cool on the insane offensive foul call.  I'm just happy for him and Doc and that hug between the 2 said it all.  They've taken their shots, deservedly so in some instances but, they persevered and now the C's are going to Finals. 

I keep saying their going to Finals but, I'm still having a hard time believing it.  Just think where they were this time last year.  I bet you could have made a hefty amount of change betting the C's would make the finals on 5/31/07. 

The C's are going to the finals.........

[ACF]

I TOTALLY agree.
I felt he couldn't miss last night.
I had such confidence in him, it was
almost scary (in a good way)

I said it before and now I'll say it
again:
Red would be proud!