by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce walked over to ABC’s Doris Burke for a postgame interview fresh off a triple-double performance in a double-overtime win Sunday against the defending champion Miami Heat.

Any smiles quickly evaporated.

Burke was the first to tell Pierce the bad news: All-Star Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo likely is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

“Oh my god,” Pierce said, interrupting Burke after she mentioned the injury. His face coiled into a grimace, as though he had been punched in the gut.

“We’ve just got to rally around each other,” said Pierce, who had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in the 100-98 victory. “I feel for him. He was having such a great season, making the All-Star team. It’s disappointing news. Guys just have to step up.”

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he knew how hard this would be to stomach.

“Obviously, the Rondo news is tough. … Obviously, it was pretty emotional,” Rivers told reporters after the game. “We’ll find someone who’s ready in our locker room who will step up. You can write the obituary (on this season), but I’m not.”

… [For more on Paul Pierce hears about Rajon Rondo injury from reporter, click here.]