Sun Jun 8 21:11:39 2008

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Pierce, Perkins start Game 2

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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Despite a sprained right knee, Boston forward Paul Pierce started Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night. Celtics center Kendrick Perkins also started despite a sprained left ankle.

"I'm not that concerned about Paul," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Sunday evening, about an hour before the game. "He played one-on-one this morning and he looked good. He's not a concern to me. I think he'll be fine tonight."

Pierce was hurt midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 98-88 Boston victory after a collision with Perkins and had to be carried off the court. He returned a few minutes later and helped the Celtics to victory, scoring 19 of his 22 points in the final two quarters.

Pierce is averaging 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 21 playoff games this spring, while Perkins is averaging 6.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in the postseason.