Stephen Curry
January 2026
Curry moved into sole possession of 19th all-time in scoring by passing Paul Pierce, finishing with 27 points in a 140-124 win. He did it with a first-quarter stepback three, continuing a strong January and adding to late-career scoring milestones, with a path to climb further if he stays healthy.
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.
Paul Pierce
September 2025
Paul Pierce claimed his battles with LeBron James pushed the superstar to new heights, citing Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals when James delivered 45 points to save the Miami Heat from elimination against Pierce’s Celtics. Pierce admitted James “played the game of his life” in that series, crediting the duel for elevating LeBron’s career trajectory. Despite defending him closely, Pierce said respect grew from those contests, acknowledging he helped bring out the best in James.