Boston Celtics: 3 bold statements team lived to regret in 2019

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 03, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 123 - 116. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 03, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 123 - 116. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Verizon)
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Verizon) /

Paul Pierce’s “series over” proclamation

What is now becoming known as the “Paul Pierce curse” was stabilized during the start of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-finals between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

After winning their fifth consecutive playoff game with an impressive 22-point victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics legend made the following proclamation during ABC’s postgame coverage:

"“I think it’s over.”"

While Paul Pierce didn’t predict a sweep, his words certainly jinxed the team and certainly woke up Bucks players and their fans.

The Celtics, of course, went on to lose the next four games and ultimately the series with pour play and cold shooting.  With the bold statement, Pierce ended up with egg on his face, but how could anyone blame him with the talent the Celtics had and the way they dominated the Bucks in Game 1.

No one would’ve predicted that Kyrie Irving would go on a major shooting slump and Gordon Hayward would be invisible the next four games.

With the pour offense also came an inconsistent defensive effort that had most fans pulling out their hair and those without hair looking back at Paul Pierce’s bold statement as the ultimate curse.