Each era of NBA basketball is marked by a few of the game’s superstars. During the 2000s, sharing the stage with icons like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett was Paul Pierce. The Truth came into the league in 1998 and quickly showed off his skills. It didn’t take long for the basketball world to recognize his gifts. Within four seasons, he became an All-Star. However, the feeling of stardom didn’t set in for Pierce until he had a run-in with one of the biggest actors on the planet, Denzel Washington.

While on the ‘I AM ATHLETE’ podcast, The Truth spoke about his experience with the legendary actor during the 2002 All-Star game that left him starstruck.

Paul Pierce knew he was famous after being recognized by Denzel Washington

Former NFL star Brandon Marshall had a unique question for the former Boston Celtics star. The podcast host asked him about his ‘I made it’ moment. In an instant, Pierce’s thoughts went back to the All-Star game in 2002. Just in his fourth season, The Truth made his first All-Star appearance. The Celtics legend remembers the nerves he felt at the moment, describing it as “chills going through my body”

At the height of his nervousness, he heard a voice saying, “Hey Pierce“. At first, he had no clue who it was. However, when the voice came again, he couldn’t help but look. To his surprise, it was Denzel Washington. There was a shock at the moment, as Pierce couldn’t believe the legendary actor knew him.

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Narrating the story of his first meeting with the two-time Academy Award-winning star, he said, “I’m like hold on, Denzel know who I am? Like, think about it. We grew up Denzel, he’s that guy. He that dude. So when Denzel hit me with like ‘Pierce come here’ I took a flick with him. That’s when I’m like okay, I’d have hit like a certain level now. When Denzel asked me for a flick, I’m like ‘Oh damn!’. I was starstruck from Denzel.”

The single gesture from the ‘Training Day’ actor was enough validation for Pierce. Fresh off getting the reality check, how did Pierce actually do in his first All-Star game?

How did The Truth handle his moment with Denzel Washington?

Pierce was one lucky man during the 2002 All-Star game. Not only did he meet one of the most iconic actors before the tip, but he would be playing beside Michael Jordan for the East. There had to be pressure to perform after you have been recognized by Denzel Washington. So, in typical Paul Pierce fashion, the Hall of Famer embraced the moment.

He finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Truth was the second-leading scorer for the East All-Stars behind Orlando Magic’s Tracy McGrady. Unfortunately for Pierce, the West would come out on top. A future rival of the Celtics forward, Kobe Bryant would win All-Star game MVP for his 31-point outing.

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The Truth’s career has an abundance of memorable moments. However, his meeting with Washington might just be one of his favorites.