Why does Paul need to act like that?

[nickagneta]

Yawn!!!

So Pierce celebrated a come from behind win after hitting a last second shot.

Ummmmm....so what?!?!?!

Classless?

Why? because he's not conforming to some sort of high and mighty standard that some people want and expect.

Again...so what?

You go Captain!! You were the man last night. Celebrate any way you want!!!

[prov1ml34]

I find it a bit strange that there is so little support for LeBron's Decision ESPN special since I see it as a logical extension of such self aggrandizing trends, as were the follow-up theatrics of/for the Miami 3-Egos.  

I think the distinction is that Pierce's display was a spontaneous outburst of joy and celebration, while Lebron's "Decision" was a calculated, tone-deaf promotion of one man's ego.  If Lebron wants to celebrate after hitting a game winner, more power to him.

Roy, that would require LeBron actually hitting a game winner! I have a better chance of getting struck my lightning that him hitting a game winner based on past experience.

[ejk3489]

i don't like it either, never have liked it - Celtics don't act like that !!

paul pierce has always had that LA street mentality inside and though KG & Ray have forced Pierce to mature some, he will always have that street dog in him - which is why he says things he shouldn't and pulls stupid stunts on the court like last nite.

don't think you'd ever see, Bird, Havlicek, Cowens or Russell or KG for that matter pull any of Pierce's antics.

What? You mean the same KG who claps his hands and barks at the opponent while on his hands and knees?

I see nothing wrong with that, or what Pierce did. Let them have there fun, it doesn't need to be serious business all the time.

[guava_wrench]

Why would you have a problem with this. It was a pure reaction to hitting a game winning shot. He did one lap around the court,but didn't bow at center court until the game was officially over.

By the way did you not see Amare Stoudamire pretty much taunting on every dunk or blocked shot. He seriously stood over Ray or PP(I forget which one) for about 5 seconds just starring down at him after he blocked his shot. He should have been T'd up for that.

Some people are fans of dignity. Paul Pierce is more from the Cavs dancing on the sidelines school. Some people were bothered by the Cavs doing that. I thought it was just undignified, but ultimately didn't care.

Paul does wear his heart on his sleeve. He is probe to similar immaturity stuff like Nate is. Remember the Pacers loss postgame interview?

[Jon Niednagel]

He acted like that because

1. It was in NY
2. He was doing a Reggie Miller repeat, maybe give him some credit for knowing his basketball history
3. He then gave credit to NY for improving and if everyone else wants it to be a rivalry it is what it is
4. He knew it was quite appropriate given the background and he didn't overdo it
5. He was happy. We have older players who get this excited in a regular season game. Its awesome

I was way more worried about Rocket Man Nate jumping all over the place. The guy isn't human or close. He jumped several feet in the air without trying and did it twice in a second. he's gonna hurt something or someone

Yup. This is my exact take on it as well. TP to you.

[Roy H.]

Paul has always been a trash talker and that was just another manifestation of that personality.

Take it or leave it. I am not a fan of flying around like that in a December game because, but it is better than being the lackadaisical Pistons who didn't take the regular season seriously.

KG acted almost the exact same way in his first game against the Twolves.

[guava_wrench]

i don't like it either, never have liked it - Celtics don't act like that !!

paul pierce has always had that LA street mentality inside and though KG & Ray have forced Pierce to mature some, he will always have that street dog in him - which is why he says things he shouldn't and pulls stupid stunts on the court like last nite.

don't think you'd ever see, Bird, Havlicek, Cowens or Russell or KG for that matter pull any of Pierce's antics.

What? You mean the same KG who claps his hands and barks at the opponent while on his hands and knees?

I see nothing wrong with that, or what Pierce did. Let them have there fun, it doesn't need to be serious business all the time.

That is more of the classical intimidation. Act crazy while the game is actually going on and the other team has a chance to make you look foolish. Paul & KG's trash talking is also quite different than bowing to the crowd. Trash-talking is a lot different than Pierce flying or Wade flexing/posing.

Look at Kobe. Talks a lot of trash, but there is no silliness when he hits game winners. Seems like he expects to make it.

In the end it comes down to how tolerant are we of different personalities and whether or not we are hypocritical about player behavior depending upon team. Some people don't like that behavior for anyone, so they get upset if their team does it because they don't want to look like they have a double standard if they gripe about the antics of other teams. Some people either don't care about celebrations; others don't mind being a hypocrite and bemoaning when Lebron acts out like Pierce.

I remember a win where Posey was insulting someone in the crowd after we won. As classless as that might seem, I would bet that the person he was taunting did a bit of heckling and was probably entertained by the exchange with Power. There is an interaction between the crowd and the players that is missing on TV and might also make this stuff seem worse than it is.

Also, this isn't baseball. Baseball is a game of pansies who get upset at any perceived sleight. Throwing your bat? Really? That bothers them? Grow a pair!

[Bankshot]

i don't like it either, never have liked it - Celtics don't act like that !!

paul pierce has always had that LA street mentality inside and though KG & Ray have forced Pierce to mature some, he will always have that street dog in him - which is why he says things he shouldn't and pulls stupid stunts on the court like last nite.

don't think you'd ever see, Bird, Havlicek, Cowens or Russell or KG for that matter pull any of Pierce's antics.

Um, yes they do. And Yes, Bird taunted opposing players and teams too.  Maybe not the exact same way Pierce did, but he did nonetheless.  Stop acting like Bird is all high and mighty.  He did some of what you call "classless" stuff too.  I don't consider it classless though.

[davemonsterband]

It was hilarious. It's MSG, that's what you do at MSG. He knew the whole world watching that game. More importantly, he's at the latter stages in his career, as serious as things are right now they're much more lighthearted than the last one. Big Daddy brings that kind of influence.

Why not have some fun? Enjoy it while you can. I've never understood why people think to be classy you have act like Barry Sanders or Tim Duncan. It's a RIVALRY. It's about to be one that will last for a few years. Get the hype rollin'. I love it, and The Truth.

My best Celtics memories in recent years are those with that kind of so called "disrespect". TA's dunk off the backboard in Toronto, KG jumping around on his hands and knees, Ray hitting huge threes and jumping around with his hands at his sides, Baby mixing it up with the Pistons, KG waving his finger at Calderon. Nobody remembers the mundane. Like I learned in the Navy, if everyday is the same you'll never remember anything. Nor will the fans.

The league's gotten soft. You can't foul hard anymore. You can't land an elbow or throw someone to the ground like the good old days. Larry, Russ, whoever, they didn't act like this because they could express some frustration in their day. They could get the point across, show the new kids on the block who's boss. Now? Really? Is there a way to do that? Some things need emphasis. Sometimes a win is just not enough.

It's our house!!!

"Larry Bird is not coming through that door, folks".

[LarBrd33]

Pierce is cocky.  It works to his advantage.  And he was just trying to play up the forced "rivalry" that the media wanted.  I like it. 

[tenn_smoothie]

i don't like it either, never have liked it - Celtics don't act like that !!

paul pierce has always had that LA street mentality inside and though KG & Ray have forced Pierce to mature some, he will always have that street dog in him - which is why he says things he shouldn't and pulls stupid stunts on the court like last nite.

don't think you'd ever see, Bird, Havlicek, Cowens or Russell or KG for that matter pull any of Pierce's antics.

What? You mean the same KG who claps his hands and barks at the opponent while on his hands and knees?

I see nothing wrong with that, or what Pierce did. Let them have there fun, it doesn't need to be serious business all the time.

i wasn't suggesting they walk around sullen and serious and showing no emotion - show it baby !!!!

but flying around the court like an airplane (remeber mark jackson) and bowing to the crowd is childish and ridiculous looking. celebrate, fist-pump, slap five or give it the 'kirk gibson' elbow cock, but please don't act like you just hit a shot to win a Rucker League game.

[wahz]

let me add that this is from a PP interview after the game


“The Knicks are playing great basketball, can’t take anything away from them, and I actually thought Amare’s shot counted,” Pierce said. “I would have been stunned there for a minute, especially after all the theatrics, so I’m glad we got the win.”


Seems like he has a great perspective on things as usual, imho.

[Green Hell]

Pierce is a showman being from LA and all.

[ejk3489]

Looks like KG took a bow too  



(From RedsArmy)

[fairweatherfan]

Paul wasn't the only one acting that way:



I like Ray being a gentleman as usual. 

EDIT:  Haha, beaten by 30 seconds.  Well played sir.