Playing Hurt: Pierce’s "Truth" Moment

Game 1 of the 2008 Finals wrote Pierce into Celtics lore. In the second quarter he appeared to suffer a knee injury and was helped off, silencing the Boston crowd. Yet minutes later Pierce returned and scored 10 in the fourth to fuel a comeback win.

That "injured-off-then-return" drama became the series’ spiritual footnote. By Game 5, Pierce erupted — 13-of-21 for 38 points — pushing Boston to a 3-2 lead. His calm and killer instinct broke the Lakers’ defense.

Pierce took the FMVP with steady, efficient play. The "Truth" label, gifted by Shaquille O’Neal years earlier for how "real" he played, finally had a championship backing.

Greatness is often born of injury’s test. Pierce proved with one return that he deserved the trophy.

Related Reading

• 2008 NBA Finals MVP: Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics)
• 2008 The Truth Crowned: Pierce’s Finals Triumph
• Year One of the Big Three: Boston’s Rebirth
• 2008 Paul Pierce FMVP Breakdown（三）
• 2008 Paul Pierce FMVP Breakdown（一）