Let the truth be told

Paul Pierce was not chosen as a member of this season's Eastern Conference All-Star squad, a move that seemed questionable to some.

At the time of the announcement of the East reserves, Pierce's numbers were solid, but not spectacular. He was averaging 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and was shooting 42.1% from the field.

In the 11 games he has played since not being named to the team, Pierce has averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists.

After a monster game Sunday night -- Pierce had 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists -- coach Doc Rivers said, "He's [Pierce] played himself onto the All-Star team, except people have voted already. He bailed us out today."

With Bulls' center Joakim Noah dealing with plantar fasciitis and Knicks' forward Carmelo Anthony unsure if he'll participate after suffering a "deep" hand contusion -- Anthony is a starter for the East, and Noah was named as a reserve -- the door may be open for Pierce to be added to the team.

However, after last night's game, Pierce admitted that's been playing with a pinched nerve in his neck, something he said has been bothering him for "the last two months."

"It [the break] is coming right at the right time," Pierce said after last night's game. "So many things have gone on over the last weeks with us -- mentally and physically. I think this is a perfect time for the break, especially with the injuries we have."

Pierce may prefer to rest during the break and let his neck heal, so he may not even go. But it would be nice if Pierce is recognized for his improved play.