Jaylen Brown had 27 points, including 17 in the first quarter for the Celtics, who are making the Finals for the first time in 12 years.
Jayson Tatum added 26 points, 2 more than Marcus Smart.
Smart was at the heart of a great defensive performance that muzzled the Warriors in the fourth quarter. At just 11 points, it’s the third-lowest total in a Finals game since the introduction of the shot clock.
In Game 2, they took the reins, Smart noted. For us, it left a bitter taste. We want to be a team known for its physical and defensive play. It woke us up.
The Celtics have improved to 6-4 at home, up from 8-3 on the road, since the start of the playoffs. They haven’t lost two games in a row since the end of March.
Brown was four-for-eight for three-point shooting. Tatum went nine assists and Robert Williams grabbed 10 rebounds.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, including 6 three-pointers. Klay Thompson had 25 points, 7 more than Canadian Andrew Wiggins.
Although the Warriors had success with their shots, the Celtics physically outscored them 47-31 in rebounds.
When you allow a team to be comfortable, especially at home and in front of all their fans, it becomes difficult
said Draymond Green, who was insulted by the spectators throughout the meeting.
During the warm-up, the Warriors found that their basket was not at the right height.
A 10 foot pole was brought in and the basket was seen to be a few inches too high. The situation was quickly corrected.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before the game that he was unaware of the problem, but it does happen from time to time.
The players have a very sharp eye. They’re going to notice things like that, he added. As long as it’s settled, it’s fine.
Kerr took the opportunity to throw a small arrow at the league, about the late hour when games start.
It’s a good thing the game starts at midnight, Kerr said, making reporters laugh. They will have plenty of time to fix it.
17-time NBA champions, the Celtics have a history of some Boston shenanigans, some say.
Red Auerbach, who served as coach, general manager and president of the Celtics, has often been suspected of machinations at the old Garden.
He was said to cut off the hot water in the visitors’ locker room, or else create dead spots in the playing area.
Member of the champion team of the Celtics in 1986, Bill Walton did not smell any dubious scheme.
I’m surprised Steve didn’t say anything about Red Auerbach
said Walton, a member of the Hall of Fame.
Game 4 is Friday night, again at TD Garden.
