Washington Wizards first half grades
Feb 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The second Washington acquired this man in the offseason, I knew it would make a huge impact on the club. Although Pierce is 37-years-old and one or two years away from retirement, he is still putting up very respectable numbers while continuing to do what he as always done best, and that is hitting clutch shots.
The 17-year veteran is averaging 12.5 points per game this season, while playing a career-low 26.8 minutes per contest. He is also shooting 45% from the field and 38% from three-point range. He has also knocked down either game-tying or game-winning shots on a number of occasions.
The knack for making shots in clutch situations is something that Pierce has possessed since the day he walked into the league. It is also the aspect of his game that will give the Wizards their biggest advantage come playoff time.
You see, three or four of the best teams in the Eastern Conference are all young and inexperienced. With that being said, they don’t really have that one player that they could turn to in times of need or in late-game situations. Luckily for Washington, that’s exactly what they have in Paul Pierce.
Grade: B
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