Paul Pierce not backing down on NBA title, city bragging rights

Tim Bontemps and Mike Mazzeo went down to Basketball City on Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan Thursday to talk with  Paul Pierce as he hosted a Sprint promotion. He challenged young fans to best him at a game of H-O-R-S-E.

What they got -- and what WFAN listeners got earlier-- was vintage Pierce. No longer pining for Boston, Pierce made it plain he wants an NBA Championship for Brooklyn and bragging rights to the city.  "It's time," he said, "for the Nets to start running this city."

Pierce on state of Knicks-Nets going into season: "You can’t help but say this is probably going to be the best rivalry in sports next year"

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 8, 2013

Pierce: "My dislike for the Knicks is more now because it's right across the river. It's time for the #Nets to start running this city."

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) August 8, 2013

Paul Pierce says he's getting comfortable in NYC: "I’m just embracing the change and looking forward to it." Said he's found a place to live

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 8, 2013

Pierce doesn't even think he can go to Boston in the preseason. "I'll just do it one time next year." #Nets

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) August 8, 2013

Pierce: "I want to create a legacy here in Brooklyn. I want to be that guy to say I was one of the first guys to put a banner in Brooklyn."

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 8, 2013