Pau Pierce played in what he called the hardest game of his life this past weekend. The Brooklyn Nets star returned to TD Garden for the first time since being traded from the Boston Celtics alongside Kevin Garnett. Pierce had spent his entire career in green before agreeing to an offseason trade as the Celtics entered a rebuilding phase. Admitting he was devastated over the move, Pierce reveled in the memories after the win.
A sold-out crowd paid tribute to two of the franchise's biggest stars as Garnett and Pierce returned in different color uniforms for the first time in years. The Celtics completed a blockbuster trade during the offseason that sent Garnett, Pierce and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets in favor of some smaller stars and draft picks. Pierce was never thrilled over the idea.
ESPN's Jackie MacMullan reports that Pierce was never given the option to determine his own fate with the team. The move did not sit well with him despite knowing a trade was possible. Pierce would not discuss the move directly, simply sticking with how tough the return was.
"This was the toughest game I've ever had to play," Pierce said, via ESPNBoston.com. "Tougher than any championship, tougher than any Game 7. You know what? I think as long as I'm in the league, it's going to be tough [to come back], because I'm going to have to come back to the Boston Garden. ... When you come back there's always going to be memories, and there's nothing you're going to do to escape."
Pierce told reporters that he loved it in Boston and never wanted to leave, but the NBA is built on wins and money. The Celtics felt their championship window was closed with the roster in place. When Garnett agreed to be traded, Pierce followed and now they sport uniforms both never expected to wear.
"Paul and I were joking before the game, who was going to tear up and drop a tear," Garnett said. "I had lumps in my throat, but I kept it under control, and tried to focus as much as I could."
After a slow start to the season, the Brooklyn Nets are slowly finding their way. After starting the season out 10-21, the team is now 10-1 in the month of January. Pierce says the Nets are finally starting to find their identity as Jason Kidd works his way through rookie struggles of a new head coach.
How long do both Pierce and Garnett remain in Brooklyn? That is nothing but speculation, but Pierce has stated that when he retires, it will be as a member of the Celtics.
