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Boston Celtics Top 25 Moments In Franchise History

By Bill Speros

BOSTON - 1996: Red Auerbach, former head coach and General Manager of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in front of Celtics championship banners in Boston Massachesetts in 1996. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Greg Foster/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - 1996: Red Auerbach, former head coach and General Manager of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in front of Celtics championship banners in Boston Massachesetts in 1996. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Greg Foster/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WALTHAM, MA – JANUARY 11: Celtics player Paul Pierce speaks with the media after working out. (Photo by Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
WALTHAM, MA – JANUARY 11: Celtics player Paul Pierce speaks with the media after working out. (Photo by Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

11. The Truth Arrives – And Survives

One year after losing the Tim Duncan sweepstakes in the 1997 Draft, the luck of the Irish returned to Boston. When Paul Pierce of Kansas, a projected top-three selection, was still available at the 10th pick of the 1998 NBA Draft, the Celtics quickly pounced.

Pierce didn’t wait to impress and was named Rookie of the Month in February. (That was the first month of a lockout-shortened season). He averaged 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.71 steals as a rookie. Just weeks before Pierce was about to begin his third season in Boston on Sept. 25, 2000, Pierce was stabbed 11 times in the face, neck, and back and had a bottle smashed over his head while at a private party inside a Boston late night dance club.

Teammate Tony Battie saved Pierce’s life by rushing him to a nearby hospital. Pierce underwent surgery to repair damage to his lung. Two men were convicted in the attack.

Next: No. 10

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