Paul Pierce's 30 Points Lift Celtics over Knicks in Exciting 91-89 Win

The much anticipated rematch of the Christmas Day New York Knicks and Boston Celtics game certainly did not disappoint by any means.

This game was everything you would expect in an NBA game and more.

The game came down to the wire and the fourth quarter was jam-packed with excitement. Each of the final few possessions for each team became incredibly important with the game on the line.

The Knicks had two chances to win the game; unfortunately, those big shots were taken by Landry Fields and Steve Novak, both of whom bricked their shots. And in the end, the Celtics held on to win 91-89.

This game had even more of the makings of an instant classic, though.

There were stars that shined in this game—but the matchup of Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony stole the show.

Pierce continued his dominance and played perhaps his best game of the whole season. He scored 30 points, grabbed seven boards (including three offensive) and dished out five assists.

His counterpart Carmelo Anthony, although not as dominant as of late, played one of his best games as well with 26 points and six assists.

But what is a great game without drama and controversy?

Well, this game was filled with that as well. With just 12 seconds left, it seemed that Pierce had converted on a play that would forever endure in his highlight reel and live on in legend to put the Celtics up by four and essentially put the game out of reach.

He had recovered the ball stripped from him with just one second on the shot-clock and, while falling backwards, threw up a three that somehow found the bottom of the net. It was initially ruled a good basket and Pierce even gave a vintage Jordan shrug.

However, the refs had different plans, and upon review it was overturned. Those refs must have had the best vision possible because that call was so close and hard to see that I have no idea where conclusive evidence could have been found.

The Celtics obviously would win anyway, but that play, as amazing as it was, will forever be forgotten.

But to me, that wasn't even Pierce's best play of the game. 

In my opinion, his best play of the game was when he rushed a three to try to take the lead for the first time since the opening minutes, but when it was clear he was going to miss he did something unheard of in the NBA and followed his shot.

And when he and another Knick fought over the ball and it went over half court and nearlly out of bounds, Pierce sprinted there, tracked the ball down, helping the Celtics tie the game on that possession.

That kind of hustle that is refreshing to see in the NBA was evident in this game on both sides, and it was made clear how much each team wanted this win.

Even that desire to win resulted in some chippiness, which along with hustle and desire to win is necessary for a great game. There were four technical fouls in the game, one on each coach and one on Amar'e Stoudemire and Brandon Bass.

Overall, this was one of the best games of the season and a great win for the Celtics, who appear to have turned things around.

And for the captain, Paul Pierce, this was just another sign that age is just a number for him and no hindrance to his play. He can still lead this team and will do so on a consistent basis.

On top of all this, this game was also a great precursor to the Super Bowl. It got the juices flowing in the New York-Boston rivalry and was probably an indication of what will come in the Super Bowl.

Like this game, the Super Bowl is expected to be quite exciting and come down to the final possessions. Hopefully, the Super Bowl will be able to deliver like this Boston-New York game did.