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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Quinn

‘This is not a basketball game, this is religion,’ says Paul Pierce after Boston’s Game 5 win

If you ask Hall of Fame Boston Celtics wing Paul Pierce whether he expects Boston to win Game 6 of their 2023 East finals series with the Miami Heat, his response to Heavy’s Steve Bulpett ought to tell you everything you need to know. “Yeah, I’ll be here,” he replied. “Of course. What (do) you mean?”

“I’ll fly out and fly back. I’ll be out here Monday, for sure — 100%,” added the Truth. Pierce was in the house to witness the Celtics’ improbable Game 5 win over Miami as Boston inched closer to breaking one of the more durable records in NBA history — overcoming a 0-3 series deficit in the postseason.

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“This is not a basketball game,” said Pierce of the looming contests in Miami and (hopefully) Boston. “This is religion.”

The Celtics certainly seemed to touch God a few times on Thursday night, the offense humming like a finely-tuned engine bolted onto a chassis of elite defense that served as the foundation not only for the win, but for the confidence that made it possible. “(T)heir backs are against the wall, then they respond,” opined Pierce.

“That’s how it’s been all season long. I’m not surprised they’re in this spot. I’m a little surprised they went down 3-0, but they always play well when they’re in this position.”

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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