THE Los Angeles Clippers season ended at the hands of the Utah Jazz on Sunday after losing 104-91 in Game 7 of their NBA playoff first-round series.
But it’s not the only thing that came to an end as the illustrious career of Paul Pierce had its final stop at Staples Center as well.
Pierce had already announced that this was his final season, and with the Clippers eliminated, the 19-year veteran forward finally walked away from the NBA as a player for the last time.
Farewell to a legend.@paulpierce34 walks off. pic.twitter.com/lR7JcW2mNR
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 30, 2017
The one-time NBA champ and Finals MVP was one of the most well-respected players in the league, and it showed with the shower of tributes from former teammates, foes, and coaches.
Congrats on a hall of fame career @paulpierce34 #truth #HOF
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 30, 2017
Congrats to The Truth @paulpierce34 on ONE hell of a career! #FutureHOF
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 30, 2017
The Truth! Congrats on an amazing career! #classof98
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) May 1, 2017
A post shared by Antoine Walker (@toinewalker8) on Apr 30, 2017 at 3:24pm PDT
@paulpierce Much Respect! Amazing career my brother ????#TRUTH
A post shared by Caron Butler (@caronbutler) on Apr 30, 2017 at 3:48pm PDT
But the most touching of tributes came in a video from the Players Tribune, capped by an emotional Kevin Garnett holding back tears in saluting the Celtic legend who helped give him that elusive NBA title in 2008.