Pierce, Carlisle ... whats the dif ?

The Celtics retired Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle’s No. 34 on Sunday. Though the banner, in the Celtics tradition, did not include a name, Carlisle knew the honor was for Paul Pierce, rather than his three seasons as a player in Boston.

“It’s humbling,” Carlisle said, playing along. “I’m sure Jim Ard (a previous bearer of No. 34 with the Celtics) feels the same way.

“I’m happy for Pierce. For so many years, we competed directly against him and their team in the East. He’s just been a superb player. He had an amazing run. It’s welldeserved. It’s very special. You’re going up there with a lot of guys that produced a lot of rings.”