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.

Doc Rivers said before Wednesday’s game with Charlotte that he expects Kevin Garnett to be ready for the playoffs.

Asked if he thought the star wouldn’t be ready for the playoffs after the team shut him down on Tuesday, Rivers said he doesn’t expect his right knee injury to keep him from the postseason.

“I think he absolutely will,” Rivers said of Garnett playing in the playoffs. “Obviously, there’s always a chance but I don’t see that, I really don’t. I would be very, very surprised if Kevin Garnett is not playing in game 1 of the playoffs.”

More to come.