Boston ? Rajon Rondo hit the deck hard, grimacing after being fouled. Glen Davis played through dizziness from a concussion. Rasheed Wallace put up with a painful back.

The Boston Celtics sure could use some time off.

Now they’re getting it, with a five-day break between games before starting the final drive toward their goal — a second NBA championship in three years and an 18th in club history, more than any other team.

Coach Doc Rivers gave his players two days off after their dominating performance Friday night with the wounded and woozy Rondo, Davis and Wallace helping in a 96-84 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Boston led by at least 12 points throughout the second half and clinched the Eastern Conference title in six games. The NBA finals begin Thursday night at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paul Pierce could use a respite from the battering he took driving to the hoop in the physical series with the Magic.

“I know I need it,” said Pierce, the star of the clincher with 31 points and 13 rebounds. “I’ve got a couple injuries that I kind of want to cure.”

Late in the third quarter of Game 5, Davis, known as “Big Baby,” was leveled by an inadvertent elbow to the face from Orlando’s muscular center under Boston’s basket. Dazed, he struggled to his feet slowly then zigzagged upcourt on rubbery legs before falling into the arms of referee Joey Crawford near midcourt.

Two days later, Davis contributed 6 points, 7 rebounds and a block in 17 minutes.

Rondo was floored by Jason Williams while driving to the basket. Boston’s point guard landed awkwardly on his back and stayed down, then got up slowly and sank two free throws for the last points of the first quarter and a 30-19 Celtics lead.