Paul Pierce was the highest power in high tops at Philips Arena during the Boston Celtics' 87-80 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. But after sinking a key free throw in the fourth quarter, Pierce dropped to knee at half court, seemingly to pay homage to a greater authority.
Or, maybe he was just genuflecting to a reserve quarterback who specializes in gadget plays. As Pierce stood up from his moment of celebration and/or reflection, the NBATV announcer asked, "Did he just hit 'em with a Tebow?"
It sure looked like it.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE
"You just want to thank God for putting you in those positions," Pierce told reporters after the game when asked about Tebowing. "It wasn't pre-scripted. It just came to me."
While that moment may have just "come" to him, Pierce went out and grabbed the game itself, putting up an impressive 36 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. According to ESPN Stats & Info, this was Pierce's first game with at least 35/10 since 2003. With Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo suspended after bumping a referee during Game 1, Pierce more than picked up a slack with a performance that had Shaquille O'Neal reflecting on TNT about dubbing him "The Truth" several years ago.
Although many fans watching on Twitter seemed to enjoy it when Pierce pulled Tebow's signature pose, Celtics coach Doc Rivers could have done without it -- if it actually happened.
"I didn't know he did," said Rivers after the game. "You caught me off guard. I didn't see it. I missed it but if he did it, that's terrific. I wish he hadn't done it but I haven't seen it."