Mickael Pietrus is not easily discouraged. On a team of positive thinkers, Pietrus proved to be one of the more optimistic Celtics this season. Soon after the Celtics were eliminated from the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night, Pietrus was talking about going for a title next year.

“Our goal was to make it to the Finals,’’ Pietrus said after the Celtics’ 101-88 loss to the Heat in Game 7. “It was going to be hard but, at the same time, we had a great group. We worked hard throughout the entire series.

“You have to be proud of that jersey you wear every night for the Celtics. We tried to make history. It didn’t happen tonight. Sometimes you’re going to make a run, sometimes you’re not going to make a run. It was a great series.’’

Asked about next season, Pietrus, an unrestricted free agent, replied, “Hopefully, everybody will be back. Next year, we look forward to work even harder and try to get that 18th [NBA championship]. My goal is to win a championship. I’m only 30. I want it to happen with the Boston Celtics.

“I’m going to fight for whoever I play for next year. I’m going to work hard this summertime. Every day [with the Celtics] is a part of history.’’

Pietrus was inconsistent in the playoffs, providing two key 3-pointers in the Celtics’ 94-90 win over the Heat in Game 5, but shooting only 12 for 54 (22.2 percent) on threes in the postseason. Pietrus was 12 for 19 on 2-point field goals.

Close-knit group

The postgame scene in the Celtics’ locker room Saturday was emotional.

“My father passed away three years ago and I haven’t cried since, until tonight,’’ Keyon Dooling said. “It was memorable, lifelong friendships. This team is very unique. Though we aren’t champions this year, we have hearts of champions, and that will always keep us connected.’’