BOSTON –– Paul Pierce has enjoyed impressive statistical seasons but his best year as a pro is getting better with each passing week.

Most important, Pierce is helping lead the Celtics through the NBA playoffs and he dreams of being the captain for the team that wins the franchise’s 17th championship. But Pierce was also all smiles last night after he learned that he was named to the All-NBA third team. It’s the third time he’s received that honor (also in 2002 and `03).

Teammate Kevin Garnett was voted to the first team along with Lebron James of the Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Dwight Howard (Magic) and Chris Paul (Hornets). Garnett had made the first team three other times.

“It’s a great honor. They both deserve it,” coach Doc Rivers said.

Pierce praised Garnett’s selection, but he was happy to get named as well. “There’s so many great, talented players in the NBA. Each year you could pick a number of guys. I’m still excited that I got a chance to be on it,” he said.

After languishing on one of the league’s worst teams last season, Pierce appreciates the value of winning and the accolades it brings as much as any player.

“It’s definitely a team award,” he said. “If you look at it statistically, there are a number of guys who outplayed me. A couple of them that come to mind, you could easily say Carmelo (Anthony). You could easily say Caron Butler. Without the guys around me I definitely wouldn’t be there.”

Pierce was looking forward to wiping out the memories of his 2-for-14, four-point performance in Game One of this series. He was the only Celtic to come out ready to play in Game Two last night. As the Celts fell behind by 12 points (21-9) in the first quarter, Pierce hit three of his first four shots and kept his team close. Pierce had nine points by halftime as the Celts rallied with a big second quarter and led at the half, 44-36.

Pierce said he may have been too pumped up before the series opener. “I don’t feel like I took 10 Red Bulls (tonight),” he said before the game. “You get that way sometimes. You get anxious and caught up in it and want to do so good that you can’t wait to get out there.”

kmcnamar@projo.com