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The top 10 moments of Paul Pierce’s NBA career

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) waves to the crowd after a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) waves to the crowd after a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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8. “The Truth” Arrives

How did Paul Pierce come to be known as “The Truth”? A memorable, put-me-on-the-map kind of performance against the defending champs, that’s how.

In 2000-01, Pierce’s third season in the league, he was still mostly flying under the radar. After putting up 42 points on just 19 shots in a Mar. 13 meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers, people started to take notice.

Even in a five-point loss, Pierce’s performance was so impressive that Shaquille O’Neal — the Lakers’ superstar and the most unstoppable force in the league at the time — willingly offered credit to a Celtics legend in the making.

"“Take this down,” Shaq told a reporter. “My name is Shaquille O’Neal, and Paul Pierce is the mother-f***ing truth. Quote me on that, and don’t take nothing out. I knew he could play, but I didn’t know he could play like this. Paul Pierce is the truth.”"

And just like that, “The Truth” was born.

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