A Burden Lifted

With a smack.

DeAndre Jordan got to the ball first, tipping it into the backcourt as the Boston Celtics gained the first possession of the game.

Tony Allen scooped up the ball and quickly dribbled across half court.

The moment he crossed half court, Marc Gasol immediately charged toward Paul Pierce like an arrow leaving the bow and successfully set a screen for him. With that perfect screen, Paul Pierce broke free from James Harden's defense like a wild horse unleashed, racing into open space to receive the pass.

Tony Allen, quick-eyed and quick-handed, delivered the ball accurately into Paul Pierce's hands.

Paul Pierce did not hesitate after catching the ball. He rose instantly, hung in the air for a moment, and decisively launched a three-pointer. Although Serge Ibaka reacted quickly and rushed over at once to try for the block, he still could not stop Paul Pierce's shot from beyond the arc.

The ball traced a beautiful arc through the air, like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

Then came a swish as the ball dropped cleanly through the hoop, like a child falling into its mother's embrace.

Paul Pierce's three-pointer not only gave his team the lead, but also ignited the entire arena.

The score became 3-0, with Paul Pierce opening the scoring for his team.

"Nice!" Paul Pierce shouted excitedly, clenching one fist. Beneath his seemingly calm exterior over the past two days, he had been hiding deep self-blame and regret.

Especially after James Harden had repeatedly scored on him in isolation during overtime, along with the open looks he himself had squandered, he had been so frustrated with himself that he had nearly wanted to slap himself twice.

But at this moment, he had finally found an opportunity to release that pressure, proving his ability