“The guys know what’s at stake and I just tried to reiterate that, especially with the season winding down and the playoffs around the corner,’’ Pierce said before the shootaround. “I just let everybody know how important these games are.

“At this point in the season, we should be playing our best basketball and we’re not. I don’t know if it’s we’re looking ahead to the playoffs or what, but we’ve got to understand that these games are important as far as building, and that’s what I’m trying to reiterate.’’

Pierce played one of his better games of the seasons, demonstrating a passion that hasn't been seen by him in several weeks.

“I just tried to go out and lead by example,’’ Pierce said afterward. “I’ve just got to continue to lead this team the way I lead and hopefully we can get back on track.’’

Doc Rivers wants the players to let their actions speak louder than words.

“You knew Paul would [respond] because when you speak up you have to be the one,’’ Rivers said. “I thought Paul clearly carried us in the early going. When Kevin (Garnett) went out [with foul] trouble and we needed scoring, it was Paul. Early in the game, he took it over for us and that’s what we can do. That was wonderful.’’