Frustrated in the first half, Paul Pierce looked as if he was on the verge of tears. Officials seemed to look the other way when he was fouled, and shots ? 15 of them ? clanged off the rim in various directions.

"It was probably the worst first half I've had in my career," the fourth-year pro said.

Then Boston coach Jim O'Brien was ejected early in the third quarter, and Pierce suddenly discovered his smooth stroke and killer instinct. By overtime, Pierce was hopping around like an elated kid and the Nets were the ones looking frustrated.