Written by Dylan Hunter Carter
Paul Pierce, the 37 year old small forward for the Washington Wizards has played a masterful game since his draft selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 Draft. Since then Pierce has proved himself as an elite scorer and player with his dynamic play style and personality. Pierce landed in a Washington Wizards uniform this season as the experienced yet effective veteran on a young rising team. In last night's crucial game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, Pierce hit a clutch fading three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, the celebratory moment was cut short as referees reviewed and waived off Pierce's shot as the ball was released after the clock expired. A heart broken Paul Pierce spoke to the press after the game and claimed that this game may have been his last. Pierce is quoted as saying "I don't even know if I'm gonna play basketball next year. I don't know how many more playoff rides I have left."
Although it may have been a tough game, Pierce still has a year in his contract and he played incredibly in the playoffs. Pierce averaged approximately 15 PPG on 52% shooting from three point range. Although he wasn't able to save the season, Pierce put up a great fight. His age has not reflected in his stats or his health. Whether he returns to basketball or enters retirement depends on his body, his heart, and his family.
As for the Washington Wizards as a whole, they have the potential to improve and work towards championship contention. The Hawk's front court duo of Al Horford and Paul Milsap dominated the Wizards front court of Marcin Gortat and Nene Hilario. Both Gortat and Nene are fantastic post players and defenders, but their energy and strength both need to intensify to bring the Wizards to contention. John Wall, who missed some time with multiple hand fractures, performed at an incredibly high level on both sides of the court. Third year guard Bradley Beal also pr Bed himself as a highly effective asset to the Wizards offense, emerging as a massive threat to all defenders. If the intensity held by Wall, Beal, and Pierce carries on to the front court of Gortat and Nene, the Wizards could possibly fight for another playoff run again next season.
As for the Atlanta Hawks, they will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history against Kyrie Irving's Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 20th at 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.
http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/2015/04/18/wizards-paul-pierce-has-it-in-game-1-win-over-raptors/paul-pierce.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment