Pierce Answers the Call

The last few days, the American players have been searching for “the juice,” the extra energy and drive they need to push them through a talented field at the 2002 World Basketball Championships.

On Friday night, in a tight first-round game against Germany, they got what they needed from Paul Pierce.

The Boston Celtic guard took command with a spectacular third quarter and propelled the United States to a 104-87 victory that was not nearly as comfortable as the final score might suggest.

The victory keeps the U.S. unbeaten (2-0) in this tournament entering tonight’s game against China and its NBA-bound center, Yao Ming.

But it was Germany (1-1) that appeared to have the upper hand coming out of halftime, pushing to a slight lead while the Americans--now undefeated in 55 games when NBA players face international competition--looked occasionally lax for a second consecutive game.

“I was a little frustrated,” Pierce said. “I had to be a little bit more aggressive.”

That meant going to the basket instead of settling for outside shots. And that led to his impressive run.

Fifteen of his team-high 26 points were scored in those few minutes. He began with a lay-up here, a free throw there. Then came the fireworks.

With 2.5 seconds remaining in that third quarter, he scored a lay-up, made a free throw, grabbed a tipped inbound pass and heaved in a 30-foot shot at the buzzer.

Those six points put the U.S. ahead by 10 and took the fight out of Germany.

“They made plays when it counted,” German guard Marko Pesic said. “That is the difference between good teams and very good teams.”

Up to that point, Germany had stayed close thanks mainly to Dirk Nowitzki, who had a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds. But his best play came early.

After halftime, Nowitzki appeared tired and harassed by increased pressure from U.S. forward Ben Wallace.

The stage was set for Pierce’s explosion and a fourth-quarter blowout.

“Everybody just had the juice,” he said. “I’m sorry it took us so long to get it.”