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The 10 Best Debuts Of The NBA Playoffs

By Josh Eberley

Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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AFP PHOTO/TOM MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP PHOTO/TOM MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images) /

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics, 2002

Age 24
Points 31
Rebounds 11
Assists 3

The Truth did a lot of leg work in the days before Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo. Back in the early 2000s, while Kobe Bryant was winning titles and Vince Carter was winning dunk contests, Paul Pierce was just going to work.

Pierce has always been able to fill it up; he showcased that in his NBA playoff debut: 31 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and three blocks. Nothing short of spectacular from Pierce on this night.

Pierce, who was enjoying a prosperous fourth season averaging 26.1 points per game, found his Celtics matched up with league sensation Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. Iverson, who had been named the MVP the previous season, was stealing the headlines but Pierce stole the show.

Pierce outscored Iverson 31-20 in Game 1 and averaged 30.2 points per game to Iverson’s 30 in the series. Not intimidated by the reigning Eastern Conference champions, Pierce scored a stupid 46 points in the decisive Game 5. There was no answer for Pierce that night, or the series for that matter.

Next: David Robinson 1990