.jpg)
3 hours ago
1
The Truth shall set you free, as the old adage goes. For Paul Pierce, such a phrase might inspire a more lukewarm response.
The Celtics legend has never been one to doubt the capabilities of his longtime employers. So, ahead of the C's Game 2 matchup with the Knicks, Pierce felt compelled to lend his former side some further inspiration.
Appearing on "Speak", the infamous Fox Sports 1 program which he and former Jets and Buccaneers star Keyshawn Johnson co-host, Pierce delivered an impassioned show of faith in the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-led side, even offering a curious wager in the seemingly unlikely event that Boston would drop its joust.
It didn't pay off. Now, Pierce could find himself wading through figurative — and literal — waters on Thursday.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here's what you need to know.
Paul Piece Celtics bet, explained
Pierce had full faith in the Celtics' ability to overcome their first game jitters and walk out of TD Garden with a win in Game 2. Boston dropped its Eastern Conference semifinal opener in dramatic fashion on Monday, surrendering a 20-point advantage en route to a damning defeat.
That wasn't enough for Pierce to pick against his guys, though.
"If the Celtics lost Game 2 at home, I promise you, I'm walking here," Pierce said on Wednesday morning. "I'm walking here, I'm walking here, 15 miles. ... In my robe, no shoes on, bare feet, if the Celtics lose tonight, I'm walking."
Johnson recommended that Pierce temper his expectations a tad.
"Take the series," Johnson said.
But Pierce was firm.
"Nah, ain't no way," Pierce added. "In a robe, barefoot. I'm gonna be up at three. ... I guarantee this one, put the house on this game."
MORE CELTICS:
- Kristaps Porzingis says health, playoff struggles are 'killing him inside'
- Jayson Tatum struggles shooting — again — in Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
- Knicks erase another 20-point lead for Game 2 win vs. Celtics
The hits kept on coming for Pierce, who claimed that a New York win was more than just unlikely — it was practically impossible.
"You got a better chance of walking out of the studio and seeing a dinosaur, than the Celtics lose," Pierce proclaimed.
Johnson had a premonition of what was to come on Wednesday night, reminding Pierce of his history of false prophecies.
As it turned out, Johnson was correct. Another Boston advantage turned to ashes amid a barrage of clanked shots and Knicks baskets. Jalen Brunson's last-second free throws gave New York a one-point advantage, while another Mikal Bridges' deflection secured a momentous victory for the Knicks.
Pierce expressed dismay over his prospective route, which spans some 20.2 miles, equivalent to an eight-hour trek.
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 8, 2025Will Pierce follow through with his promise? Probably not — it's a lengthy journey and his current employers would likely not take too kindly to him striding into the work late, after all.
Nevertheless, he'll have to face the music one way or another. It wouldn't be the first time he's made a faulty forecast.
Anthony Edwards says Paul Pierce turned him up after eliminating the Lakers in 5 pic.twitter.com/1zeKjb49IC
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) May 1, 2025For what it's worth, Pierce did show himself trawling through the California foothills in the hopes of arriving to the studio. Is it posturing or the real thing? Only time will tell.
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 8, 2025
English (US)