"Sometimes it seems like the easiest role for Paul Pierce to fill is the one that went to Ray Allen last night — the job of shot-maker.

But the Celtics captain, who struggled for his 18 points with a 6-for-16 shooting performance in last night's 87-85 Game 1 win over New York, produced his best moments in other ways.

The first was his ability, with 21 seconds left and the Knicks leading by a point (85-84), to pressure Carmelo Anthony into a possession-ending elbow.

"I don't know if he drew it, but he took it," coach Doc Rivers said of Pierce's ability to pressure Anthony into the foul. "And it was the right call. Heck of a call to make, but it was the right call. It was clear, and I give Paul a lot of credit. In the first half, Bill Walker and Carmelo got every shot they wanted. In the second half, that went away, and I thought that was due to Paul."

And then there was one of his biggest assists of the season — a pass to Allen for the game-winner, after keeping the ball alive at the top of the circle despite heavy Knicks pressure."