Sunday night Paul Pierce's iconic number 34 was raised up to the rafters of the TD Garden in Boston to be forever enshrined in Boston Celtics history.
Pierce, a 10-time All-Star, Finals MVP and NBA Champion, was joined by Celtics legends and former teammates, along with his friends and family, as his legendary Celtics career was celebrated.
This video makes the tears flow like the Charles River. And if you want to deny that, you're just lying to yourself. Because you know what? It's okay to love Paul Pierce.
Inglewood made him.
Kansas shaped him.
But he was always a Celtic and that is The Truth.#ThankYouPaul pic.twitter.com/anzr8a6QDl— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
Green Teamers found these shirts on every seat in the Garden prior to tip-off.
On every seat @tdgarden pic.twitter.com/gmbbyOCaZf
— James Stewart (@IAmJamesStewart) February 11, 2018
The legends came out to celebrate The Truth!
“We in here”
Everyone’s back to celebrate The Truth ☘️ pic.twitter.com/BM45VG5vAP
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
The boys are back together...well at least for the night.
SQUAD. ☘️???? pic.twitter.com/hBxznQLEGI
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) February 11, 2018
The Truth shares some words with fans.
Fans, this one’s for you pic.twitter.com/USQdEJVpqh
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 12, 2018
Pierce's #34 will forever hang from the rafters of the Garden.
Take in the moment Paul, you've earned it. 3️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/B81uPlraT5
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 12, 2018
Could the last spot, that just so happens to be next to Pierce, be for Kevin Garnett's #5?
Welcome to the club 3️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/uBFDiAplMT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 12, 2018
And there it goes...
First look... pic.twitter.com/1PwzczRTcW
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) February 12, 2018
One of many Paul Pierce tributes.
Ahead of becoming the 22nd player to have his number retired by the @celtics, friends, teammates, rivals and peers pay tribute to "The Truth" @paulpierce34. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/K5MsziQP6s
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 11, 2018
This one's for you Green Teamer!
.@celtics great @paulpierce34 expresses his appreciation for the city of Boston, it’s fans and everyone who supported him throughout the years. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/tFwGMyTE6M
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 10, 2018
Shake it up!
Think you know the story behind The Truth's intro? ???? pic.twitter.com/BN6Dw21kga
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
Cheers to you Pierce!
Raise ‘em up ???? pic.twitter.com/Xjf9Se8gNj
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
No one talked trash like Pierce and was able to back it up like this. Take that Al Harrington!
"Right in Harrington's face" pic.twitter.com/1FKhqVZn9Q
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
The past and present share a moment on the legendary parquet.
Respect. pic.twitter.com/eeLSmlvg8A
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 11, 2018
Pierce on Monday following his legendary ceremony.
???? Wow who would of thought a kid from Inglewood enters Boston Celtics Lore!!!! ????????????????????????
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) February 12, 2018
RELATED: Celtics Get Crushed By Cavaliers On Paul Pierce Night, 121-99
The Truth ranks amongst the best to ever don a Celtics jersey. Here's how he stacks up with legends like Larry Bird, Robert Parish, John Havlicek and others.
- Games Played: 1,102 (#3)
- Minutes: 40,360 (#3)/Minutes-Per-Game: 36.6 (#7)
- Points: 24,021 (#2)/Points-Per-Game: 21.8 (#3)
- Made Field Goals: 7,882 (#3)
- Made Three-Pointers: 1,823 (#1)
- Made Free Throws: 6,434 (#1)
- Total Rebounds: 6,651 (#7)/Defensive Rebounds: 5,643 (#3)
- Assists: 4,305 (#5)
- Steals: 1,583 (#1)
AUDIO: Paul Pierce Feature On The Celtics Radio Network
Whether you're a Celtics fan or just a fan of the NBA, Pierce undoubtedly made an impact on your life some way or another. He was a pillar in the community, the ultimate competitor and downright clutch. He's the kind of person you'd want in your organization and the player you'd want leading your team to glory.
Some could argue he’s a “Top 3 All-Time Celtic.” Some may say he’s the “greatest scorer" to ever wear a Celtics jersey. But there's a few things that can’t be argued. First, he’s the best Celtics player of the 2000's and early teens. Two, he's a champion that got to play for the greatest franchise in NBA history. And now that’s THE TRUTH!
Oh, and one last thing. THANK YOU PAUL PIERCE!
-- By John 'The Dude' Hardiman, 985TheSportsHub.com