September 25 marks a significant date in Boston Celtics history, defined by Paul Pierce's miraculous survival and the team's enduring resilience. Twenty-two years ago today, the future Hall of Famer was stabbed 11 times in a Boston nightclub.
Paul Pierce was preparing for his third NBA season when he was attacked at the Buzz Club in Boston's Theater District. An assailant stabbed the Celtics' 1998 first-round pick 11 times in the face, neck, and chest. Teammate Tony Battie acted fast, driving Pierce to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery that saved his life.
Pierce's recovery was astonishing. He played all 82 games in the 2000-01 season, averaging over 25 points per game. The incident had a lasting personal impact, however. Pierce later said he dealt with depression and paranoia, especially in crowds, and hired police protection for a time. He also donated $2.5 million to the Tufts-New England Medical Center that treated him.
Beyond Pierce's ordeal, September 25 holds two other key moments for the franchise. In 1986, the Celtics executed a trade that brought veteran guard Fred Roberts to Boston from the Milwaukee Bucks. Roberts provided valuable depth for a team that would reach the NBA Finals that season.
More recently, on September 25, 2020, the Celtics secured their final victory in the NBA's Orlando bubble. That win capped a unique playoff run played in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a strange chapter that tested every team's mental fortitude.
The toughness shown by Pierce is a quality the modern Celtics strive to embody. Head coach Joe Mazzulla often emphasizes mental resilience. That trait is showing in their recent performances.
Their offense has been explosive. They put up 147 points against the Miami Heat on April 1 and 133 against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 4. The 144-point outburst against New Orleans is a season highlight.
This blend of historical grit and present-day execution defines the Celtics' identity. The franchise's story isn't just about championships. It's about overcoming profound adversity, as Pierce did, and building a team that competes every night. The full squad, sitting on a run of impressive wins, seems determined to write its own successful chapter.
