Paul Pierce is attempting to play through the pain of a sprained MCL in his left knee.

Pierce shot just 2-of-7 from the floor during Boston’s 82-81 loss to the Sixers on Monday.

"I know he's hurt," said Sixers reserve center Tony Battie. “But Paul's definitely not going to ever admit that to anyone.
"You can see it. His shot is a little flat. His knee is bothering him, and he's had some foot problems, and his lift isn't 100 percent.

"But he's still the heart and soul of that team. We know Paul. We know he can get it going. I don't put it past him to come out with a Willis Reed-type Herculean effort in the next game."

Sixers forward Elton Brand, who’s battled through knee, shoulder, and neck injuries, is aware of how exhausting it is to fight through the pain.

"You lose your aggression," Brand said. "When it hurts, that's what happens. Half the time it's subconscious. You have trouble with your movement and your thrust and it's just harder to attack when all that is going on.

"But I know what kind of player [Pierce] is. He's going to keep coming. He's not going to quit."