Veteran forward Paul Pierce joined the Los Angeles Clippers this summer with the intention of adding clutch shooting and a veteran presence that could put the team over the top in the playoffs. The 38-year-old future Hall of Famer has averaged a career-low 17.8 minutes for the Clippers in part to conserve his energy for the postseason, and his role has increased as the team gets closer to its first-round series.
Unfortunately, an injury suffered minutes before halftime in Monday's game against the Boston Celtics may put Pierce's availability at risk, although early indications are that he has avoided a worst-case scenario. With just over two minutes reamining in the second quarter, Pierce went up for a short attempt against former teammate Jared Sullinger and landed awkwardly on his right foot. He fell to the floor and immediately grabbed his knee, causing worry that he had ended his season and potentially career in the worst possible fashion.