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New York Knicks’ Legend Claps Back at Paul Pierce Ahead of the Conference Finals
New York Knicks' Legend Claps Back at Paul Pierce Ahead of the Conference Finals 1 February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Paul Pierce is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics didn’t have the best exit in the 2025 NBA playoffs. In the second round of the postseason, the team struggled against the New York Knicks and also had a devastating injury to their star. Jayson Tatum had a torn Achilles, and it prevented them from making the series competitive. After six games, the Knicks took care of business and secured their spot in the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics fans were devastated by the way their team performed in the postseason, as the team couldn’t defend its title. One of the disappointed fans was former NBA star Paul Pierce. The 2008 Finals MVP went live on Instagram and showed what he felt after his team was eliminated in the playoffs.

“Pacers gonna pop y’all, though–Y’all know that, right? Y’all know that the Pacers are gonna get y’all. So, I don’t even wanna hear all that. Yeah, y’all feeling good. Y’all beat an injured Celtics team,” Pierce said.

Pierce blamed the fact that Tatum suffered a tough injury and that Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t 100% during the series. Former Knicks star Patrick Ewing caught wind of what the former star player said and had to respond.

“I’m glad I didn’t see it. Paul was a great player … I played against him towards the end of my career. I’m glad for his success, but the Knicks were also depleted last year when played Indiana. So, uh can’t cry over Sour Grapes,” Ewing said.

Ewing was part of the New York Knicks organization from 1985 to 2000. He was part of the last Knicks roster that made it to the conference finals in 2000.

New York Knicks star knows what he’s up against with the Indiana Pacers


Indiana Pacers Vs New York Knicks Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-2025 Season 10/25/2024 5 Feb 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The point guard matchup between New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is something fans are looking forward to seeing. In the conference finals, the best-of-seven series is set to take place on Wednesday.

Heading into the contest, Brunson was asked about his matchup. To the two-time All-Star, he understands how good Haliburton is on the floor.

“Great player. He’s done a lot and quieted a lot of people,” said Brunson. “He’s obviously their engine. They go as he goes and he does a lot for their team, so it’s going to be a tough task. But I think as a team we need to stick together and do what we do and control what we can control. I’m happy, obviously, for his success, but this is a new challenge for us.”

The two guards have played 21 games against each other. Haliburton has won 11 games, seven in the regular season and four in the postseason.


New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson Makes Painful Admission on Being Snubbed from Team USA's 2024 Olympic Squad 1 May 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends during game six of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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