Paul Pierce's Heroics Not Enough to Save the Celtics in OT Thriller with Bucks

Paul Pierce gave Boston Celtics fans a brilliant performance for the second time this week.

Just two days after dropping 40 points in the Celtics' win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Pierce finished with 35 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

He scored five points in the game's final 34 seconds, including this big-time three with just 2.5 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Everyone keeps waiting for the aging process to overtake the Celtics. They've been snatching the torch for Rajon Rondo for years.

But Pierce reminded us that even after after 14 seasons with the franchise, there's still a resounding truth in Boston hoops:

"

This is still Paul Pierce's team. #Clutch

— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBA) December 22, 2012"

Boston's supporting cast couldn't provide enough relief for their star, though. Pierce shot 13-of-23 for the game, while his teammates went just 23-of-71.

Monta Ellis led Milwaukee with 27 points, including five in overtime that helped the Milwaukee Bucks edge out a 99-94 victory.

But the star of the night for the Bucks was Larry Sanders.

He dipped into the franchise history books with his performance:

"

(ELIAS) Larry Sanders: 17 pts, 20 rebounds; 1st Buck with 17 pts + 20 rebounds vs Celtics since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 1975 #beenawhile

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 22, 2012"

With the win, the Bucks (14-11) took their season series with the Celtics (13-13) three games to one.