ESPN.com reports that Paul Pierce was relieved to hear that Magic star Tracy McGrady wouldn't be playing against his Boston Celtics, and he was all smiles after the game when he notched his first career triple double.

"I'll take it,'' Pierce said of McGrady's absence. "Who wants the leading scorer playing?''

Pierce finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists in the game, but more importantly the Celtics escaped with the victory.

"I just took it upon myself to really elevate my game,'' Pierce said. "I haven't had 13 assists since high school.''