Once again in a clinching playoff game, Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce flourished, and this time his team benefited twofold.

Pierce's 27 points — 12 in the fourth quarter — helped Boston clinch Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons last Friday.

The win sent the Celtics to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, and gave them a much-needed break before Game 1 on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

"Lord knows I didn't want to go back to Boston for another Game 7," Pierce said.

Pierce scored 41 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 to send the Celtics into the Eastern Conference finals. The Atlanta Hawks also extended Boston to seven games in the first round.

Coach Doc Rivers gave his team Saturday and Sunday off, so the Celtics should be well-rested and healthy heading into Game 1, their first NBA Finals appearance since 1987. The Lakers beat them that year in six games.

They could use the break, too. Boston's big three of Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are still spry enough, sure. But Pierce is 30, and Garnett and Allen are both 32. Key reserve James Posey is 31; center P.J. Brown, called out of retirement, is 38; guard Eddie House is 30, and guard Sam Cassell is 38.

Besides feeling rested, they should also feel confident. Thanks to their league-best 66-16 regular-season mark, they hold home-court advantage in the 2-3-2 format. Boston beat the Lakers both times they met this season, winning 107-94 at home on Nov. 23, and 110-91 in Los Angeles on Dec. 30. /Wire