Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals wasn’t pretty for the Celtics. A disastrous third quarter, during which they got outscored 39-14, was too much to overcome in a 118-107 loss to the Heat.
Celtics legend Paul Pierce went through enough playoff series during his career to know that there’s no reason to panic after one game, though. Appearing on The Greg Hill Show Thursday morning, Pierce explained why he still has plenty of faith in his former team.
“I’m still high confidence on the Celtics,” Pierce said. “You gotta understand, they just had one day in between from a grueling Game 7 going into Miami for Game 1. They really didn’t even have time to prepare. And then they had no Marcus Smart, no Al Horford.
“I’ve been in these situations where you win a series and then you have a travel day the next day, and then you play Game 1. Just looking at those factors, you’re probably thinking the Celtics were tired, and they probably lose that game. But I think they’re gonna settle into the series, bounce back tonight for Game 2, and I see the Celtics winning this series in six or seven.”
Pierce is so calm and confident that he isn’t even looking at Game 2 as a “must-win,” although he’d obviously prefer to see the Celtics even the series rather than fall behind 0-2.
“I’m not sure if it’s a must-win,” he said. “Miami is a great team. They’re the number one seed for a reason. As we saw in the last series, when you watched Phoenix vs. Dallas, Phoenix was up 2-0 because they won their first two home games [and Dallas still won the series].
“It’s important that the Celtics compete a little more in Game 2 and try to find a rhythm and find something that they can hold onto that can help them win, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must-win. Now, if they lose Game 2, then Game 3 is a must-win. The important thing is, try to go out and squeeze this win in, even if you don’t have Horford or Marcus Smart, and see where the chips lay when you get back home.”
It looks like the Celtics will at least have Smart back, as he was upgraded to probable on Wednesday. Horford, however, is listed as doubtful.
Listen to the full interview with Pierce below: