"Thursday's game between the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics was special for Mickael Pietrus.

Ray Allen's absence elevated Pietrus into the Celtics' starting lineup for the first time since Pietrus joined the team. Thursday also was Pietrus' first game at Amway Center since the Magic included him in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 18, 2010.

Being back meant something to him.

"I love it," he said.

"That's a franchise I did a lot for, and they decided to trade me, and there was nothing I could do about it. But I'm very happy to be back and very happy to see my teammates from the Magic, Stan [Van Gundy] and the fans. They mean a lot to me."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Pietrus is showing flashes of what made him so valuable to the Magic during the 2009 playoffs. Pietrus has provided quality defense on the wing, and the Celtics are urging him to drive to the hoop instead of settling for 3s.

"He's a great spirit," Rivers said. "The guy likes basketball and he plays hard. I'll take that all day.""