The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in game 1 of the NBA finals 98-88 but many Celtics fans had given up hope when Paul Pierce had to be carried of the court in the 3rd quarter with a knee injury.

“When I came down I thought I felt a pop, I thought I tore it,” Pierce said. “I couldn’t move.”

Coach Doc Rivers was also worried.

”I thought the worst,” Rivers said. ”When they carried him off, I just though it was the knee.”

However, with 5:04 remaining Pierce was able to check back into the game wearing a black elastic wrap on his knee.

”Everybody was rejuvenated (when Pierce returned),” said Kevin Garnett,. ”It was good to see him.”

When Pierce returned he gave the Celtics gained all the momentum they needed for the win.