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Paul Pierce builds up his strength

Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff June 3, 2012 06:11 PM

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By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff

Celtics forward Paul Pierce worked some strength and conditioning into his basketball routine on the parquet at TD Garden before Game 4. Pierce had an elastic band between his ankles and did some lateral steps, building up the strength on the sides of his knees. He also jumped rope, all while wearing those sneakers that look like rubber socks that have become so popular with runners. Pierce then put on his basketball shoes and did some shooting.

Pierce injured his left knee during a Celtics shootaround on May 6. Since then, there have been questions as to the extent of his injury and how much it has limited him. In the game on May 6 and the four games after, Pierce averaged 15.8 points on 44 percent shooting. In the eight games since, he's averaged 19.9 points on 40 percent shooting. He's topped 20 points in five of those eight games.

For his part, Pierce has not complained about the injury, saying it hasn't affected him. He's been wearing a brace on knee during shootarounds, but not during games.