Theory: Paul Pierce is Injured

Bulls Blogger Sam Smith offers up one explanation for Paul Pierce's subpar play:

We know this playoff series between the Bulls and Boston Celtics is close. But consider this: What would be going on if the Celtics had Paul Pierce? 

What? You say they do. I don’t know. I haven’t seen him.

That Boston guy wearing No. 34. That couldn’t be Paul Pierce. Paul Pierce doesn’t get his shot blocked by Derrick Rose in a one-point game with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter, and then stand there and watch the rookie save the ball and start a fast break for a three point play.

And now the stuff about the alleged injury:

I think Pierce is hurt.

I ran that by an NBA guy and he agreed that it sure looked like it. We haven’t seen Pierce play this indifferently in two years. Finals MVP. Team leader. I had been thinking maybe with Kevin Garnett out Pierce had just given up, knowing the Celtics would not repeat.

But I’ve seen a changed player the last two years, a real competitor who’s almost impossible to stop. It doesn’t make sense.

I don't buy it simply because I haven't seen Pierce limp or grimace or wince. After he explodes for 30 tonight (see previous post) all this talk will die.