2008 NBA Finals Game 1 Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics, June 5, 2008, Infamous Wheelchair Game

LAL 88, BOS 98 – Celtics forward Paul Pierce was initially sidelined with a knee injury during the first game of the NBA Finals, but his dramatic return played a pivotal role in Boston's victory. In the third quarter, Pierce collided with teammate Kendrick Perkins and collapsed on the floor, clutching his right knee. The crowd fell silent as Pierce was assisted off the court and wheeled to the locker room, leaving many wondering if Boston’s championship hopes had been dashed.

Player of the game:
Kevin Garnett: 24 PTS, 9-22 FGM, 41 FG%, 13 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL

However, after receiving treatment, Pierce made a remarkable comeback. He re-entered the game and energized the Celtics by sinking crucial back-to-back three-pointers, which helped Boston build a four-point lead over the Lakers. The Celtics maintained their advantage and secured a 98-88 win. Pierce finished with 22 points, a significant improvement from his three-point first half. The TD Banknorth Garden was electrified as Kevin Garnett, who led the Celtics with 24 points in his first NBA Finals, hailed Pierce as the catalyst for the win.

Paul Pierce continues to deny needing a wheelchair due to a bathroom issue, despite previously admitting it.

The full story behind Paul Pierce's infamous wheelchair incident remains a mystery. Though he once admitted to an embarrassing mishap, he now denies it. The incident took place during the third quarter of Game 1 in the 2008 NBA Finals, when Pierce fell after contesting a shot by Kobe Bryant and tripping over Kendrick Perkins. The fall appeared serious as Pierce clutched his knee in pain, eventually being taken off the court in a wheelchair. Surprisingly, just minutes later, he returned to the game, helping lead the Celtics to the first of four wins that would secure the NBA Championship.

Why Pierce needed a wheelchair has puzzled many, leading to long-standing speculation that he may have needed to use the bathroom—or perhaps already had an accident. Despite these rumors, Pierce continues to deny any such mishap. “If you poop your pants, does it make sense to sit down and mush it in a wheelchair? I would walk back there and go straight to the bathroom. Why would I need a wheelchair if I pooped my pants? You don’t sit down on your poop, right? It doesn’t make sense,” Pierce said. He claims instead that he sprained his MCL and needed the wheelchair for that reason, contrasting his behavior with what one might expect if he simply needed a restroom. His points are reasonable, though the situation remains somewhat puzzling.