Kevin Garnett was considered the missing piece last year as the Celtics missed out on defending their NBA title.

But listen to Garnett and Doc Rivers following Boston’s 113-110 win over the Philadelphia 76ers and you get the unmistakable sense that so far this season, it’s Paul Pierce who is indispensable.

Garnett said Pierce imposed his will on the game, leading the Celtics with a game-high 27 points and taking a charge on Andre Iguodala down the stretch.

Doc Rivers calls Pierce the MVP, at least of the team if not the NBA.

Paul Pierce said he was just trying to do his thing.