With Kevin Garnett injured and Ray Allen fouled out, it was up to Paul Pierce to keep Boston’s hopes of winning alive. And Pierce came through in the clutch with a game-winning jumper that lifted the Celtics to a two-point victory over the Bulls.
Pierce, who scored 26 points in the game, also connected on a jumper that sent the game into overtime.
“I just thought when Ray fouled out it was time for me to really step up,” said Pierce. “Better late than never.” Pierce scored 12 points after Allen fouled out.
Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 28 points; he also added 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Kendrick Perkins scored 16 points, but recorded 19 rebounds and blocked seven shots.
The Bulls actually had a chance to tie the game at the end when Rondo fouled Brad Miller with two seconds left in overtime. However, Miller missed both free throws.
“Paul Pierce was unbelievable,” said Joakim Noah, who scored 11 points for the Bulls. “Guys are hitting crazy shot after crazy shot. It’s all about who’s going to make that shot at the end of the game. We had our chances, and that’s what makes it so tough. But we’ll be back: I still feel that we can win the series.”
Check out the highlights of the game:
