Paul Pierce dunks on the Toronto Raptors like it's 1999
Paul Pierce channeled his rookie self on a sweet crossover in the second quarter vs. The Raptors last night and dunked the ball like it it's 1999.
In a classic Kevin Garnett pick and roll, Tyler Hansbrough got put on an island with Pierce and The Truth responded with a beautiful crossover and hammer.
Two takeaways from this play.
1. Although, sometimes he would get called for illegals it was really never really appreciated what a great screener Kevin Garnett was in Boston. Unlike most big men, who slip screens then hope to get the ball back, Garnett actually puts a body on someone.
2. It's plays like this now and forever that should put away the myth that Paul Pierce is not a very athletic player. Yes, he's crafty and methodical but he's had plenty of highlights like this throughout his career.
Just as point of reference 1998-1999 was Pierce's rookie season with Boston where he averaged 16.5 points on an impressive .412 percentage from three. The second highest mark (2009-2010, .414) from deep in his illustrious career.
Pierce also had an excellent overall game scoring 18 on 5-9 from the field and 7-7 from the line including a couple of clutch free throws down the stretch.
The Nets now have a 2-1 series lead over the dangerous Raptors.
Game 4 takes place in Brooklyn Sunday 7 p.m. Eastern on TNT.
Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey
In a classic Kevin Garnett pick and roll, Tyler Hansbrough got put on an island with Pierce and The Truth responded with a beautiful crossover and hammer.
Two takeaways from this play.
1. Although, sometimes he would get called for illegals it was really never really appreciated what a great screener Kevin Garnett was in Boston. Unlike most big men, who slip screens then hope to get the ball back, Garnett actually puts a body on someone.
Just as point of reference 1998-1999 was Pierce's rookie season with Boston where he averaged 16.5 points on an impressive .412 percentage from three. The second highest mark (2009-2010, .414) from deep in his illustrious career.
Pierce also had an excellent overall game scoring 18 on 5-9 from the field and 7-7 from the line including a couple of clutch free throws down the stretch.
The Nets now have a 2-1 series lead over the dangerous Raptors.
Game 4 takes place in Brooklyn Sunday 7 p.m. Eastern on TNT.
Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey
