When the final buzzer sounded on Sunday afternoon in the Utah Jazz's 104-91 Game 7 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, it signaled more than just the end of the Clippers' season.With the end of the first-round playoff series came the end of Paul Pierce's 19-year NBA career, and what a career it was.Pierce has been only a bit player for the Clippers this season, but ended his final game with six points and three rebounds.The last point of Pierce's career came on a free throw in the third quarter, part of his six-point effort on Sunday afternoon:

After the final buzzer, an emotional Pierce received a hug from coach Doc Rivers, who also coached him in Boston, and acknowledged the fans as he headed toward the locker room:

His salute to the crowd continued as he walked down the tunnel to a chorus of cheers from the Clippers faithful:

Though Pierce hasn't been his usual dominant self this season, appearing in only 25 games and averaging 3.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.1 minutes per contest, the fan support has clearly meant a lot to him during his final year in the NBA.

After his emotional last game, Pierce took to Twitter to express his thanks and gratitude for all of the people who have supported him throughout his lengthy career.

From his family to coaches and teammates and fans, Pierce covered all his bases in his tweets, a few of which can be seen below:

As Pierce heads into retirement, only two players from the 1998 NBA Draft class are still playing - and what a duo it is. Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and Vince Carter of the Memphis Grizzlies are still carrying the torch for the 1998 class that will go down as one of the best in recent memory.

Pierce, a 2008 NBA champion as a member of the Boston Celtics, ended his long career with 26,397 points - good for 15th on the NBA all-time points list. He also made 2,143 threes, good for fourth on the all-time list.

The Truth made 10 All-Star teams and was also the MVP of the 2008 NBA Finals, which the Celtics won after getting Pierce help in the form of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

Pierce was the No. 10 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft out of Kansas, and was actually the second Jayhawk picked. Teammate Raef LaFrentz was selected with the No. 3 overall pick by the Denver Nuggets.

It's safe to say the Celtics are glad Pierce fell into their laps at No. 10.