The Truth on “The Truth”

On March 13, 2001, 23-year-old emerging star Paul Pierce dropped 42 points on the defending NBA World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Even though the Celtics lost the game, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal told reporters, “Paul Pierce is the truth.” Pierce took to the nickname and had it embroidered on his wristbands, which he usually tossed into the stands for a fan souvenir. “Being a young player, getting those type of comments from one of the greatest players…You feel like you’ve got to live up to it,” Pierce later explained.