TO REACH THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS, Paul and the Celtics had a sizable obstacle in their way: Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the defending Eastern Conference Champions.

Once again, the Truth led Boston to a 2-0 lead in the series, earning a 76-72 victory in Game 1, and an 89-73 victory in Game 2.

Paul and LeBron: a matchup for the ages (Getty Images).

Incredibly, it was Paul's defense that had been instrumental in the two opening wins. The Truth had held King James to eight-of-42 shooting in 96 minutes of play. 

"I'm a little shocked that he's 8-for-42, but this is what we work on. We work on trying to contain him," said Pierce. "LeBron is what makes them go. And if we can somehow control him, we control their team. And with the help of the guys around me, we've been able to do that."

Once again, however, Paul and Co. were unable to get a road victory. The Cavaliers stormed back, taking Games 3 and 4, 108-84 and 88-77 respectively.

As was the case against Atlanta, Boston took a 3-2 lead with a 96-89 win in Game 5, and hoped to end the series in Cleveland in Game 6. But after a 74-69 victory in Cleveland, the Cavaliers set up an epic battle with Paul and the Celtics in Game 7.

If prognosticators and fans were expecting a superstar performance in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they got one -- but it came from 34, not 23.

With his team on the brink of elimination, the Truth turned in one of the most memorable games in postseason history, notching 41 points and going blow for blow with James, who scored 45 in a losing effort.  It was an epic battle that will be remembered forever in postseason lore, and moved the Celtics to within four wins of a trip to the Finals. 

Paul scored 41 points in Game 7, many on impossible shots like this (Getty Images).

Praise for Paul's performance came from all directions, perhaps the loftiest coming from Boston Globe reporter Bob Ryan:

"Every once in a while Pierce reminds us that he is the greatest pure scoring machine in Celtics history. Many old-timers bristle when you say that, citing John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, or whomever. But it just happens to be the truth."

"He can get his own shot, which is a major plus. He is an extremely proficient, highly ambidextrous, driver. He takes a lot of free throws. He is a constant 3-point threat. And he is the best fast break finisher the team has ever had. No argument."