BOSTON — In the past two days, New England’s most celebrated right knee — and, to this point, the focal point of the NBA Finals — has been encased in ice, undergone electrical-stimulation therapy, even had lasers fired at it.
Paul Pierce’s knee has been primped, prodded and pampered like never before.
It’s not 100 percent, but it’s good enough.
Pierce, who sprained his knee and made a dramatic return in the Boston Celtics’ series-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers after being carried off the floor in the second half, said Saturday that he will “definitely” play in Game 2 tonight.
“Once those lights come on and the popcorn starts popping, I’ll be ready,” the all-star forward and Celtics captain said.
Wearing a black elastic brace and white sleeve over his injury, Pierce reported that his knee was less swollen. He’s still not able to bend it the way he’d like, but Pierce feels with another 24 hours of rest and treatment that he’ll be able to start.
How effective he’ll be is another story.
“Knowing my threshold of pain, to go out there and play shouldn’t be a problem,” said Pierce, who planned to only shoot free throws and walk through some plays on Saturday. “It should be something I should be able to do.”
Celtics center Kendrick Perkins also expects to be in the starting lineup after spraining his left ankle in Game 1.
Suns settle on Porter
PHOENIX — Terry Porter will be the Phoenix Suns’ next coach, ending the club’s monthlong search for a successor to Mike D’Antoni.
Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr said he had agreed to terms with Porter, who was an assistant with the Detroit Pistons.
The 45-year-old Porter played in the NBA for 17 seasons and teamed with Kerr in San Antonio.
Porter was the only one of the four finalists with head coaching experience, leading the Milwaukee Bucks. He went 71-93 (.433) from 2003-05, and the Bucks made the playoffs in his first year.
“He’s got a great combination of leadership skills,” Kerr said. “He’s a great communicator. And his coaching experience, two years as a head coach, is important to me.
“The fact that he’s sat in that chair, that was a key factor. He’s very tough-minded.”
Porter is expected to sign a three-year deal worth about $7 million.
Curry top Pistons candidate
DETROIT — By the middle of this week, the Detroit Pistons plan to have their new coach in place, and all signs point to the job going to Michael Curry, a former Piston and assistant coach under Flip Saunders.
Denver Post Wire Services
