Wearing a tan suit with a orange shirt, tie and handkerchief, Paul Pierce address the crowd on Fan Appreciation Night at TD Banknorth Garden prior to the regular season finale with the Washington Wizards.

Pierce thanked the crowd for making the arena a true home court advantage and “one of the toughest” buildings for opponents to come away with a victory.

But he also had another message for the crowd, which came to its feet as he took the mic on Lucky the Leprechaun at midcourt.

“This is the time of year you expect us to step it up,” Pierce said. “We also need you fans to step up”

Pierce was inactive for the season finale.