Boston Celtics Legend Makes Bold Statement Before NBA Finals Game 5

Paul Pierce spoke about Game 5 on FS1's Undisputed.

Apr 13, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) reatcs against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 120-88. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday evening, the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will play Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Massachusetts.

The Celtics have a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, but they are also coming off a 122-84 loss in Game 4.

Before Game 5, Basketball Hall of Famer (and Celtics legend) Paul made a bold statement on FS1's Undisputed.

Pierce: "I think it's a 10 for Boston. I think they gotta get the job done here on their home court. You don't want to give them any hope. Now, the momentum shifts to Dallas if the Celtics lose on their home court."

Pierce also added: "It's a must-win for the Celtics. You don't want to have to take that flight... It would be a brutal three-hour flight to Dallas."

.@PaulPierce says Game 5 is a MUST-WIN for his Celtics:

“They have to get the job done on your home court. You don’t want to give them any hope.” pic.twitter.com/rFAv89BlIv

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) June 17, 2024

If the Mavs are able to stay alive, Game 6 of the series would be back in Dallas on Thursday evening.

"We're at the precipice of completing what we set out to do at the beginning of the season"

Jaylen Brown talks about the message he's giving to the team ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/tpwKBAeZnG

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 16, 2024

The Mavs were led (in Game 4) by Luka Doncic, who finished with 29 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals while shooting 12/26 from the field.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led Boston with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks while shooting 4/10 from the field and 1/4 from the three-point range.

Jun 14, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter during game four of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics last won the NBA Championship in 2008 when they beat Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen were all on the roster.

They made the NBA Finals most recently in 2010 but lost to the Lakers in that series.