After more than 1300 career NBA games, Paul Pierce suited up for his final regular season game Wednesday night with the LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers easily defeated the Sacramento Kings, and clinched home-court advantage for the first round of the NBA playoffs. It was the last game of the regular season. For the Kings it meant the beginning of a long summer.For the Clippers it meant it’s time for the playoffs. But, for Paul Pierce, it meant that it was the end.
After 19 seasons, and over 1300 games, Pierce took park in his last regular season game. With two minutes left in the game, a “We Want Paul” chant echoed through the arena. Fans chanted in excitement, wanting to see #34 take the court one last time.
Everyone at Staples Center wanted Paul Pierce to check in ... even Doc Rivers! pic.twitter.com/hnjU3o6Tzy
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 13, 2017
Reluctant to enter, Paul Pierce finally gave way. Even head coach Doc Rivers joined in on the chants.
Sadly, Pierce was unable to knock down any shots, finishing his career with 26,397 points, which ranks him 15th on the NBA All-Time scoring list.
.@PaulPierce34: 'I poured my heart & soul into this game' @JCrossover: 'He's first ballot Hall of Famer' ... we certainly agree! @LAClippers pic.twitter.com/cLp4eb3vge
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 13, 2017
The End of an Era
Paul Pierce finishes his career averaging 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was a career 44% shooter, and 37% from deep. He ends with 2143 career three pointers made, which ranks him fourth in NBA History.
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Drafted out of Kansas in 1998, he played 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics. Winning an NBA Championship in 2008, Pierce was voted Finals MVP. In ten seasons, Pierce was selected to the All-Star team. He finishes his career 15th all time in minutes played, eighth in free-throws made, and 19th in steals.
With uncertainty coming in the playoffs, we may have seen Pierce take the court for the final time of his career. Getting the standing ovation he deserved, Paul already got the proper send off. For the 19-year veteran, the proper sendoff would be hoisting the Larry O’Brian trophy one final time.
I guess we’ll see how this story comes to an end soon enough as the LA Clippers enter the playoffs.