BOSTON -- Paul Pierce played his 1,000th career game on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers at the TD Garden. The milestone came 13 years and one month after his rookie debut on February 5, 1999.
I remember how nervous I was, he said. When you think back to your first game ever here in the Garden, youre excited to get your career started. Now with so many years passed and Ive reached a thousand games, its like, wow. I see a combination of a long time and that Im getting old.
Let's take a look back at the first time he stepped on to an NBA court (which happened to be the parquet in Boston).
Toronto Raptors 103 - Boston Celtics 92
Starting Lineups
Celtics: Antoine Walker, Paul Pierce, Kenny Anderson, Ron Mercer, Tony Battie
Raptors: Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley, Doug Christie, Vince Carter, Alvin Williams
Paul Pierce
39 minutes, 19 points (7-14 FG, 2-4 3PG, 3-6 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, four blocks, one turnover, four personal fouls
High scorers
Celtics: Walker, 21 points (9-18 FG, 3-5 FT)
Raptors: Willis, 28 points (11-21 FG, 6-7 FT)
Boston Celtics
Pierce posted 22 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3PG, 6-7 FT), four rebounds, two assists, two steals, two two turnovers, and two personal fouls in 26 minutes during Fridays 104-86 win over the Trail Blazers.