"That's the natural mentality when you lose to a team in the championship and then have a chance to play that team again," Pierce said after Boston concluded a two-hour practice session at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint. "That's natural and if I was in [Kobe Bryant's] position, I'd probably feel the same way. I feel that way, regardless. Even though we won [in 2008], I want to play against L.A.; Go there and win a championship in my hometown again. The rivalry, period... There's so many things that can motivate you being in the Finals. You can put them all in a hat and pick one."
ESPN Boston: C's wanted Lakers too
These guys know damn well what's at stake here.
You can't put on these uniforms without feeling the rivalry. You can't play in either town without knowing that if there's even the most remote possibility of a Celtics-Lakers Finals, that's what every fan will be pulling for deep down.
Pierce talks about winning the title in his home town... I'm thinking I want the celebration in Boston again. As sweet as it would be to party in front of their home crowd... I still want it done on our turf.
As for the particulars of today's practice: Rondo went most of the way... Sheed avoided contact... 'Quis is probably done for the series.