Washington Wizards Host The Truth And The Clippers

I’ve been a fan of the Washington Wizards for virtually my entire life and there haven’t been many bright moments. In fact, most of the moments have been quite depressing. From failed draft picks to injured star players, being a fan of the often dysfunctional franchise has been tough.

But this past season was awesome.

After the Wizards lost Trevor Ariza to the Houston Rockets, most expected second year forward Otto Porter to become the team’s starting small forward.

Porter was coming off a successful run in the NBA Summer League and the Wizards didn’t have much room to replace Ariza. Then Ernie Grunfeld managed to sign future Hall-of-Famer Paul Pierce.

Pierce is someone whom I never even dreamed of seeing in a Wizards uniform. As one of the greatest to ever play the game, landing Pierce wasn’t even fathomable. So when the news broke, I was seriously shocked. It still doesn’t seem real, if I’m going to be honest. Pierce played for the Washington Wizards.

Not only did Pierce suit up for Washington, but he played some of the most meaningful basketball that’s been played in the nation’s capital in at least the past decade. The Truth stepped up in the NBA Playoffs and helped lead Washington to a series sweep over the Toronto Raptors.

Through the boos and headlines, Pierce continued to hit clutch shots in Toronto and buried the poor fans in their seats. That’s what The Truth does.

In the semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks, we got more of the same from Pierce.

With John Wall out with a broken hand, Pierce took it upon himself to give the team a lift and a chance to advance to the conference finals. In Game-3, Pierce hit what was one of the most memorable shots in Washington Wizards history — a game winner over three Hawks defenders, followed by a quote that will never be forgotten.

In Game-6, Pierce hit a step-back 3-point shot that was waved off. It was his final moment as a member of the team.

For the first time in forever, the Washington Wizards were actually getting some attention in the mainstream media and none of it would’ve occurred without Pierce’s presence. Heck, they even got to play on Christmas Day. The Washington Wizards got to play on Christmas Day, guys.

Even though the former Celtic was past his prime, he still delivered when the team needed him most, both on and off the court.

Pierce was outspoken about the team, often crediting John Wall and Bradley Beal for the team’s success.

Pierce also went out of his way to take some of Washington’s young leaders under his wing, giving them advice on how to take charge moving forward.

Without Pierce on the roster, we never would’ve gotten to see Otto Porter flourish in the NBA Playoffs.

He mattered that much to the young forward and certainly increased his fragile confidence.

Once the final buzzer went off in D.C., we all pretty much knew that Pierce’s time in Washington was coming to an end.

Pierce proudly rocked his Wizards merch off the court as a free agent and noted how much fun he had in Washington, but we all knew that he’d finish his career in his hometown.

Grunfeld and the Wizards offered Pierce a bigger deal than the Los Angeles Clippers, but returning home for what could be the last season of his career was more important to him. He decided to reunite with Doc Rivers in L.A. and is now playing a considerably smaller role there than he did in Washington.

Rivers has played Pierce off the bench this season and the 38-year-old has had a tough time finding his rhythm.

With Blake Griffin out, though, Pierce has been called upon to increase his scoring. Pierce is averaging just under five points per game this season, but is coming off a 20 point performance in Griffin’s absence.

Pierce is still more than capable of getting it done and his return to Washington on Monday night will be important. Pierce gave us an unforgettable season — one that I’ll certainly hold close for as long as I continue watching the team in D.C.

When Pierce’s career is over, many will reflect his championship days with the Boston Celtics and his Finals MVP performance. I, like many of you, will remember that he called game. Thanks for the memories, Paul.