"The Celtics' Paul Pierce believes that Nate Robinson needed to get out of the losing climate of the Knicks to salvage his career and grow as a person and player.

The 5-foot-7½ Robinson also might grow a championship ring on his finger -- the final indignity to the Knicks' season.

In taking a shot at the Knicks' culture, Pierce said Robinson's career needed a change after 4½ seasons at the Garden. Robinson had a small but key role in the Celtics' series-tying 103-94 victory over the Lakers on Sunday.

Robinson charged up the tired Celts in playing the first 6:02 of the fourth quarter, scoring seven points (2-of-2 from the field, 2-of-2 from the line).

At a crucial moment, he spelled the exhausted Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

The next three games are in Boston, beginning with tonight's Game 3.

"As a group, it's helping him a lot," Pierce told The Post."