Pierce's take

Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who Wednesday shut it down for the season, briefly commented on the reason he decided to do so during a press conference at Fenway Park where the Sox had hoped to pay tribute to the late Red Auerbach and the Celtics organization before the postponement of the Red Sox game against the Mariners.
‘‘I just thought since I’ve been in pain with my elbow it just made sense for me to get healthy and begin my training for next season,’’ he said. ‘‘It gives us a chance to look at other guys going into next year when we’ll try to build on something when I’m healthy.’’