The 2008-2009 season began with a well-earned ceremony, and a win for good measure.

After receiving his NBA championship ring with his teammates, Paul led Boston to a 90-85 win over Cleveland in the home opener.

STARTING OFF RIGHT
Prior to the game, as preparations were underway for the ring ceremony and the raising of the Celtics' 17th championship banner, Paul admitted that his emotions got the best of him. 

"(The emotions) started way before that," Pierce admitted after the game to Foxsports.com. "So many things were going through my head. The memories of the struggling times here in Boston."

He was finally receiving what he’d worked so many years for. He’d been there through the lean years, through the ups and downs, and now he had finally brought a championship home to Boston.

He waved to the fans that had supported him for ten seasons, and held his championship ring in the air as tears welled up in his eyes. He and his teammates then raised the 17’th championship banner to the rafters of TD Bank North Garden, to a raucous applause from the Celtics’ faithful.

ON WITH THE SHOW
All the emotions of the evening could have overshadowed the fact LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were sitting on the opposing bench..

The Truth had ousted the Lebrons in the second round of the playoffs on their magical championship run a season ago. Certainly the Cavs had not forgotten Pierce’s epic 41-point performance in game seven, willing his Celtics to victory.

The Cavs were ready to start their new season by spoiling the Celtics’ party, but the Truth would have none of it.

“You don't want to have a ring ceremony and leave with a loss," Pierce said. "That takes all the air out of it."

Behind 27 points from No. 34, the Celtics topped the Cavs 90-85 in their season opener. Pierce finished 10-19 from the floor, and added four assists. His 11 third-quarter points put the C’s up for good, and started their defense of their first championship in 21 years off with a victory.

NEXT UP
The Truth and his squad take on Ben Gordon and the Chicago Bulls on Halloween night.

RELATED STORIES
Banner 17, win No. 1 for NBA champion Celtics (AP, Oct. 28, 2008)
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2008102802
 

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