New York Knicks fans have a lot to celebrate, especially as their team heads back to Madison Square Garden with a 2-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs. While the drama of the first two games left fans on the edge of their seats, former Celtics forward Paul Pierce got a painful lesson in betting against New York.
After the Knicks pulled off a thrilling 108-105 victory in Game 1, Pierce doubled down on his confidence in the Celtics, convinced that they would bounce back and take Game 2. So sure was he that Boston would win, he made a bold wager live on air.
“If the Celtics lose Game 2 at home, I promise you, I’m walking here tomorrow, 15 miles! In my robe, no shoes on, bare feet,” Pierce declared on the May 9 episode of his FS1 show Speak. “I guarantee this one. Put the house on this game!”
Despite his co-hosts urging him to rethink his wager, Pierce stood firm. But later that night, he was left eating his words when the Knicks pulled off a dramatic 91-90 win, completing a 20-point comeback and leaving Pierce to fulfill his now-infamous promise.
Paul Pierce: A Man Of His Word
The following day, TMZ caught up with Pierce as he embarked on his painful eight-hour walk to work. True to his word, he walked the distance in his robe and bare feet. However, despite the tough walk, many fans are applauding his ability to handle the situation with humor and humility. Pierce didn’t lose his Boston pride. When asked about his thoughts on the Knicks’ victory, he wasn’t having it.
“Man, they got lucky. I ain’t even trying to hear all that,” Pierce said, maintaining his faith in the Celtics’ playoff chances. When pressed if he’d make another bet, Pierce teased fans by saying, “Stay tuned.”
With Game 3 around the corner, fans are eagerly awaiting whether Pierce will make another prediction, or walk down a different path entirely.
You should See for yourself how he handled it with humor. What’s your take on the Game 3? Would the Knicks do a clean sweep over the Celtics? Let me know in the comments.
