BOSTON (AP):

PAUL PIERCE had not slept in 36 hours but the Boston Celtics captain was more than ready to greet the tens of thousands of fans who turned out yesterday for the rolling rally celebrating the team's first NBA championship in 22 years.

"We're tired of watching these parades on TV. Now we get to enjoy our own," said Pierce, wearing a championship cap and holding the trophy for most valuable player in the finals. "I haven't had any sleep yet, so now I'm still enjoying it."

Pierce led the Celtics to the team's 17th championship, culminating in Boston's victory on Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six.

A sea of fans in green lined the streets of the city yesterday, from the TD Banknorth Garden to Copley Plaza to pay tribute to the team as they rolled through town on 16 World War II-era amphibious vehicles.

Other rallies

The rally was similar to five others staged since 2002 - two Boston Red Sox World Series victories in baseball and three Super Bowl championships for the NFL's New England Patriots.

But yesterday, it was all green.

"I'm having a great time, as you can see," Kevin Garnett said, stopping to point to his broad, toothy grin.

All along the route, fans held signs declaring 'Sweet 17' and 'Have a Cigar', a reference to the late patriarch Red Auerbach, who had a hand in the franchise's first 16 titles.

President Bush called team owners Wyc and Irv Grousbeck to offer congratulations. Wyc Grousbeck said Bush told him he really enjoyed the game and that the Celtics made Boston proud.

Before the parade, the Grousbecks showed off a 2008 championship banner in the hallway at the Garden similar to the 16 others already hanging from the rafters. Coach Doc Rivers commissioned the new banners for the owners and players.

Irv Grousbeck said it is "the first of several, we hope".