Paul Pierce
September 2025
Celtics legend Paul Pierce claimed Boston “blew” their playoff series against the Knicks, throwing away 20-point leads in both opening home games. He argued the collapse was down to mismanagement and overreliance on three-point shooting, not New York’s superiority. Pierce compared the 2025 defeat to Boston’s failed 2009 title defense, saying Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury mirrored Kevin Garnett’s absence back then. Despite last year’s championship, Pierce believes the Celtics’ habit of surrendering big leads exposed a fatal flaw in their style.