Celtics legend Paul Pierce calls out the Knicks after eliminating the Celtics…
Paul Pierce Calls Out Knicks After Celtics’ Elimination: “Pacers Gonna Pop Y’all”
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce has once again stirred controversy with his outspoken remarks following the Celtics’ elimination from the NBA playoffs by the New York Knicks. In a series of social media posts, Pierce criticized the Knicks’ victory, attributing it to the Celtics’ injury woes—most notably the absence of star player Jayson Tatum since Game 4. Pierce expressed his frustration by stating, “Pacers gonna pop y’all,” predicting that the Indiana Pacers would defeat the Knicks in the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics’ loss in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals was a significant blow to their championship aspirations. The team had been the reigning NBA champions and were considered title favorites for the 2024-2025 season. However, the absence of Tatum, who suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4, left the Celtics without their primary offensive weapon. Pierce questioned the legitimacy of the Knicks’ win, implying their success was primarily due to facing a weakened Celtics lineup.
Pierce’s comments reflect a longstanding rivalry between the Celtics and the Knicks. Throughout his 19-year NBA career, Pierce faced the Knicks multiple times in the postseason, and his disdain for the team has persisted even after his retirement. His recent remarks have reignited debates among fans and ana lysts about the dynamics of the Celtics-Knicks rivalry and the impact of injuries on playoff outcomes.
As the Eastern Conference Finals approach, all eyes will be on the matchup between the Knicks and the Pacers. While the Knicks enter the series as favorites, Pierce’s prediction adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is expected to be a highly competitive and closely watched series.
In the meantime, the Celtics face a period of uncertainty. With Tatum’s recovery timeline uncertain and the team’s financial situation under scrutiny, the future of the franchise remains in question. Cost-saving moves, such as letting go of key players like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, are likely. Experts suggest that the league’s collective bargaining agreement discourages dynasties by penalizing high payrolls, resulting in greater parity across teams.
As the offseason unfolds, the Celtics will need to navigate these challenges while planning for the future. The outcome of the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals could have significant implications for the league’s landscape and the Celtics’ path forward