BOSTON (AP) Paul Pierce was back in the starting lineup against his former team on Sunday as coach Doc Rivers gave him a chance to say farewell to the Boston fans.
Pierce hadn't played since Dec. 31 and has appeared in just 12 games this season for the Los Angeles Clippers. The 39-year-old forward played the first 15 years of his career with the Celtics and is the franchise's second-leading scorer.
He has said he will retire after the season.
Pierce got a big cheer when he came out for warmups before the game. The crowd was filled with fans in his No. 34 jersey - even more than Patriots jerseys on Super Bowl Sunday.
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AP freelancer Gethin Coolbaugh contributed to this report.
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