Paul Pierce Passes as Larry Bird 2nd Greatest Scorer in Celtics History [Video]

Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce passed Larry Bird for No. 2 on the franchise’s career scoring list during Tuesday night’s 94-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats at TD Garden.

Coming in to the contest, Pierce just needed nine points to tie Bird’s total of 21,791. He had seven points at halftime, then hit a three-pointer with 10:23 left in the third quarter to pass Bird.

“It was a relief. So much was hanging over me the last couple of days. Just hearing about it and knowing that you’ve got a game to play,” Pierce said of his achievement in a post-game interview. “Just to be mentioned with him, with this organization, is a great honor.”

Pierce, who finished the game with 15 points, nearly had a triple-double to celebrate his milestone, collecting nine assists and eight rebounds as Bost increased its winning streak to five straight.

Rajon Rondo added 14 assists and 10 points, Kevin Garnett scored 22 and Ray Allen finished with 17 points on a night that clearly belonged to the team captain known as “The Truth” — which Mickeal Pietrus had written in big letters on a towel he waved for Pierce.

“I thought they tried so hard in the first half. I thought it was never going to happen,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “I mean, it was unbelievable how our guys were passing out shots. They were doing everything to try to get this thing.”

Despite the incredible milestone of becoming No.2, Pierce still has a ways to go to become the Celtics all-time leading scorer. John Havlicek holds that mark with 26,395 points.

When asked his thoughts on catching Havilcek, Pierce revealed he had more pressing issues on his mind.

“I think the fans would really appreciate another championship more than me passing Hondo,” Pierce said.

In the clip below, Paul Pierce talks about moving into second place on the Celtic’s list of all-time leading scorers:
via USA Today