As the Celtics came down the final stretch during their Game 2 victory over the Lakers, Boston forward Paul Pierce was caught on camera saying “We ain’t coming back to L.A.” to some Lakers fans in the crowd. This is technically feasible given that the next three games of the series will be played in Boston, giving the Celtics an opportunity to end the series if they can win the next three games at TD Garden.
While this is feasible, it is a brash statement to make, and one that is ultimately highly unlikely. It was a strange comment for Pierce to make as he hardly pulled his weight in Game 2, scoring just 10 points on an abysmal 2-11 shooting effort. It’s an even more curious comment when you take into consideration that it took an NBA-record eight three-pointers from Ray Allen and a triple-double from Rajon Rondo to pull out a win in a game that was in question up until the final minutes.
Boston has already lost two home games during the playoffs, showing that they aren’t impervious to giving up a game on the parquet floor. That isn’t to say that the Lakers have played particularly well on the road during the playoffs either. You may recall that the Lakers gave up back-to-back games in round 1 when they visited Oklahoma City, and then gave up back-t0-back road games against the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
Still, the Lakers didn’t necessarily look like a team that had been struck with a knockout blow. For the majority of Game 2, the Lakers played with confidence and intensity, and even battled when the game was decided. I don’t think their confidence is rattled one bit. They lost a tough game to a good team. But the Lakers have the best player in Kobe Bryant, the best big in Pau Gasol, and they will find a way to win a game in Boston.
What did you think about Pierce’s comments? Warranted confidence, or foolish noise?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Pierce loves to talk. He’ll get the chance to do it some more in Staples.
At least he’s giving us something to talk about. This series is most definitely coming back to L.A. if you ask me. Pierce is on that crazy juice.
I think Pierce meant its not coming back to LA because the Lakers will win all 3 in boston!
Maybe Pierce’s ties to Los Angeles are making him want to “gift” them another title?