Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett really embraced the legacy of the Boston Celtics. For them, it is not just a basketball team. For the Celtic fans, they also are not just players.

The Brooklyn Nets marched into the TD Garden for their first scheduled road game there, and the first time KG and Pierce face the Boston faithful as opponents.

Yahoo Sports covered talked to Pierce and Garnett about their first ever Celtic homecoming: "This was the toughest game I've ever had to play. Tougher than any championship game, tougher than any Game 7. I told Kevin this, and I still believe it: I only wish Red (Red Auerbach, Celitcs legendary coach) had been around here for Kevin. Oh, they would've loved each other. Red would've loved the way Kevin played, and Kevin would've sat there and listened to Red's philosophies all day long."

Garnett considers himself a Celtic which is the polar opposite of how he treats his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Somehow, the Big Ticket simply belonged there, and even when he's sporting another jersey, it was obvious where his heart was: "People always say players can be too loyal, but I don't believe that. A city like Boston is worth it."

Even Doc Rivers, their former coach who is now helming the LA Clippers noted from afar: "It was incredible. I have no idea how they're playing. The coolest part of the night was when they showed the lady crying in the crowd. Well, that lady was JoJo White's wife. It exemplifies what that franchise is about: a family."

If the Celtics are a family, then Rondo was the one left 'Home Alone.' KG did not let the night pass without a little tomfoolery with his former point guard. From Yahoo Sports Minute: "Part of what made it a good homecoming for the duo was a Brooklyn victory. The other was Garnett's good-natured trash talking session with former teammate, Rajon Rondo. We're not sure what was said between the two players, who are each known for being intense competitors. But we love Rondo playfully clenching his fist, as if he were Garnett's little brother."

Perhaps it's better for these two to not have another title. It's better to have their story end with the Brooklyn Nets dismal season. Their legacy in Boston will not be tarnished the way Ray Allen tarnished his. Allen's got a ring, but Garnett and Pierce have a city.