BOSTON — The Boston Celtics' first NBA championship banner in 22 years is hanging from the rafters of their arena.

The banner was raised Tuesday night at the end of a ceremony in which players were presented with their championship rings before their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston won its first title since 1986 in a six-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Former Celtics great John Havlicek carried the Larry O'Brien championship trophy onto the court at the start of the ceremony and handed it to a tearful Paul Pierce. Havlicek was accompanied by past members of the team which now has won an NBA record 17 championships.