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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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Paul Pierce
Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) sits on the bench during a time out in the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Passing Bird

It seems odd to include a milestone like this on the list, especially since Pierce passing Larry Bird on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list only moved him into second place, not first.

But with 15 points in a 2012 game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Pierce passed one of the game’s all-time greats, moving into second place on the career scoring list for one of the most prestigious franchises in NBA history.

Those 15 points weren’t about the singular accomplishment of passing Bird as much as they were a celebration of his entire career in Boston. When he passed Larry Legend, even the most ardent of Pierce critics was forced to acknowledge just how special his time with the Celtics was.

For a franchise that includes the likes of Bird, Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Sam Jones, Robert Parish, Dave Cowens, Bob Cousy and so many other legends, Pierce rising through the ranks was an enjoyable experience that extended far beyond any 15-point performance.

He never got as much love as he deserved, but when NBA fans realized he had passed Larry Bird on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list, it was

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