Paul Pierce boldly declared that the Boston Celtics would not lose Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
The Truth found himself on the wrong end of the bet after the defending NBA champions squandered a 20-point lead and went down 0-2 in the series. The consequence? Pierce had to make the 20-mile trip to the FS1 studios — on foot.
Not only did the former Celtics star follow through with his declaration, but he also documented each stage of his journey on Instagram.
“Alright, time for me to get to steppin’,” Pierce said as he left his home. “… On my way to work. Welcome to this journey. Here I go.”
Pierce added he couldn’t believe the Celtics got him walking from his home to Century City as he checked in every hour and even chatted with fans along the way. There was also a surprise drive-by from Pierce’s former teammate Kevin Garnett.
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When he finally made it to the studio, Pierce ran the final stretch, and FS1 filmed his ascent to “Gonna Fly Now,” otherwise known as the theme to “Rocky.” Pierce was caught not following through with one aspect of the bet as the camera panned out — he was wearing his robe as he said he would, however, there were sneakers on his feet when he claimed he would walk barefoot.
Pierce was wheeled onto the “Speak” set as the audience showered him with cheers and Celtic green pom poms.
After watching the Celtics drop the heartbreaking game the night before, Pierce shared his emotions and claimed Boston would “bounce back” in Game 3. Joy Taylor refused to let him make another bet.
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Pierce was undoubtedly a man of his word. Let’s just hope the Celtics don’t let him down again as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
