The Los Angeles Clippers season abruptly ended at the hands of the Utah Jazz after losing 104-91 in Game 7 of their NBA playoff first-round series.
However, it is not the only thing that came to an end as the illustrious career of Paul Pierce had its final stop at Staples Center as well.
Pierce had already announced that this was his final season, and with the Clippers eliminated, the 19-year veteran forward finally walked away from the NBA as a player for the last time.
Less than one day after Pierce played his final game in the NBA, Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck made it clear that "The Truth" will have his jersey hanging in the rafters of TD Garden.
The decision to do so is little more than a formality for Pierce, who is revered by Celtics fans for, among many things, continually coming through in the clutch. Over a 15-year span in Boston, Pierce etched his name in the franchise's record books.
He leads the team all-time in 3-pointers and steals while placing second only to John Havlicek in points and games played. In 2008, he led the Celtics to their 17th NBA championship and was named Finals MVP.
He enjoyed a 19-season career that included stops with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Clippers and amassed 10 All-Star appearances and four All-NBA honors.
The No. 34 jersey will be the 22nd to be retired by the illustrious organization, and will hang among the likes of Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Kevin McHale and Bob Cousy.
But the most touching of tributes came in a video from the Players Tribune, capped by an emotional Kevin Garnett holding back tears in saluting the Celtic legend who helped give him that elusive NBA title in 2008.
From Kobe Bryant to Garnett to Shaquille O'Neal, NBA legends and celebrities alike came together to say farewell to Pierce.
However, it is not the only thing that came to an end as the illustrious career of Paul Pierce had its final stop at Staples Center as well.
Pierce had already announced that this was his final season, and with the Clippers eliminated, the 19-year veteran forward finally walked away from the NBA as a player for the last time.
Less than one day after Pierce played his final game in the NBA, Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck made it clear that "The Truth" will have his jersey hanging in the rafters of TD Garden.
The decision to do so is little more than a formality for Pierce, who is revered by Celtics fans for, among many things, continually coming through in the clutch. Over a 15-year span in Boston, Pierce etched his name in the franchise's record books.
He leads the team all-time in 3-pointers and steals while placing second only to John Havlicek in points and games played. In 2008, he led the Celtics to their 17th NBA championship and was named Finals MVP.
He enjoyed a 19-season career that included stops with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Clippers and amassed 10 All-Star appearances and four All-NBA honors.
The No. 34 jersey will be the 22nd to be retired by the illustrious organization, and will hang among the likes of Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Kevin McHale and Bob Cousy.
But the most touching of tributes came in a video from the Players Tribune, capped by an emotional Kevin Garnett holding back tears in saluting the Celtic legend who helped give him that elusive NBA title in 2008.
From Kobe Bryant to Garnett to Shaquille O'Neal, NBA legends and celebrities alike came together to say farewell to Pierce.
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