Celtics Trying to Avoid Overconfidence

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) – Two wins away from the NBA finals, the

Boston Celtics have plenty of reasons for confidence.

But overconfidence? Don't count on it, no matter what Paul

Pierce said.

Before leaving the court after Boston took a 2-0 lead over the

Orlando Magic with a 95-92 win on Tuesday night, Pierce said in a

live 60-second television interview that the Celtics were coming

home to close it out.

Coach Doc Rivers said Thursday he didn't like the remark,

although he was pleased that Pierce was confident.

The Celtics can sweep the Eastern Conference finals by winning

at home on Saturday and Monday. But Rivers pointed out that they

lost both their home games against Orlando during the regular

season.