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DALLAS — The Boston Celtics may have limped into the All-Star break with back-to-back losses — falling to fourth in the East Conference — but Paul Pierce gave them something to smile about Saturday night.

Pierce became the first Celtics player to win the 3-Point Shootout at All-Star Weekend since the legendary Larry Bird won three consecutive years (1986-89).

Bird’s first title (1986) came in the first year of the competition — in Dallas. It also was the last year the Celtics won an NBA championship until Pierce helped them win one in 2008.

“They say history repeats itself,” said Pierce, who was bubbling after the win. “I’ve always thought I was one of the best shooters in this league.”

Pierce, who struggled badly in this event when he last competed in 2002, got plenty of support from teammates Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, who were cheering courtside. All three will be playing in Sunday’s All-Star Game.

“That’s the kind of team we have. That support really helped my confidence,” he said. “It means something when you look up and your teammates are there.”

Pierce talked about the importance of the Celtics returning to form quickly after the All-Star break, regaining some momentum before the playoffs begin. For a veteran with a championship ring, he looked especially happy about winning Saturday’s exhibition.

“I think it definitely could help, brush off that first half. We were disappointed, real disappointed with the way we’ve played,” he said. “This is a chance to refresh ourselves.”

Although Pierce was outscored by rookie Stephen Curry of Golden State, 18-17, in the first round of the 3-Point Shootout, both advanced into the finals, where Pierce beat Curry, 20-17. In his two rounds, Pierce hit eight of the 10 “Money Balls,” which counted for two points instead of one.

“It’s like being a fourth-quarter player. When you need it, those are the biggest shots. I’ve been known to hit the big shots throughout my career.”

Chauncey Billups finished third. Danilo Gallinari, Channing Frye and Daequan Cook were eliminated after the first round.

“I took this competition seriously. It stunk it up in ‘02, and I wanted another chance,” Pierce said. “I didn’t get invited for seven or eight years, so when I was invited again, I was going to take advantage of it. This was my chance.”

Although his scoring is down this season (18.6 ppg), Pierce has shot better than ever, hitting 44.8 percent of his 3-pointers. He also is shooting 47 percent from the field.

“I take pride in competition, every competition,” Pierce said. “This is one of the things I wanted to win because of how bad I was in ‘02. Whether it’s basketball, shooting, checkers or chess, I may as well try to win.”

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