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Paul Pierce Says Celtics, Not Knicks’ Talent, Cost Boston the Series

His critique lands as Boston enters a reset under new ownership with Jayson Tatum rehabbing an Achilles tear.

Overview

  • Pierce told Heavy that Boston "blew that series" after losing 20-point home leads in Games 1 and 2 of the East semifinals.
  • He argued the team’s three-point-heavy style has made them vulnerable to giving up big advantages.
  • Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles late in Game 4 and is expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season.
  • After the exit and a sale to a Bill Chisholm-led group, Boston traded Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and sent Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta, which Pierce framed as a normal reset and an evaluation year.
  • Knicks wing Josh Hart posted "NY is running through Boston" on X following Pierce’s comments.