Celtics on offense.
The Clippers were still running a 2-3 Zone Defense, but Li Chen was a little worried. Paul Pierce was a capable three-point shooter, and leaving him open on the perimeter would be far too dangerous.
Thinking it over, Li Chen decided to keep a close eye on him today.
Sure enough, Tony Delk had barely dribbled the ball into the frontcourt before passing it to Pierce.
Li Chen stepped up to defend him and signaled for Elton Brand, who was stationed near the baseline, to come double-team.
But Paul Pierce was sharp. He quickly passed the ball, then cut toward the basket.
Li Chen didn't hesitate. He knew that if he could shut down Pierce, their team would already have won half the battle.
Bremer caught Pierce's pass. Seeing that Pierce had no opening, he used a pump fake to get past Andre Miller, then took a jump shot.
Bang! The ball bounced high off the rim.
Michael Olowokandi and two Celtics defenders jumped for it, but none of them could grab the rebound. All three leaped again.
Celtics player Eric Williams tipped the ball to Paul Pierce, who had just made a successful cut back toward the ball.
As soon as Pierce caught it, Li Chen was in front of him again.
Holding the ball with his back to the basket, Paul Pierce suddenly said, "Kid, I heard you couldn't even beat a veteran like Michael. You really are useless!"
Paul Pierce was talking trash, trying to get into Li Chen's head.
Of course, Li Chen knew exactly what Pierce was up to.
So he shot back, "Forgot how you got taught a lesson last time?"
Paul Pierce's expression darkened. He was clearly in a foul mood.
Pierce had wanted to mess with Li Chen's head,