By Girald Gaston

PHOTO: Sports Illustrated

The Boston Celtics made sure they won't disappoint on the first NBA Finals game in TD Garden in 12 years.

After seeing their 18-point lead disappear in the third canto, the Celtics flaunted a huge fourth quarter storm to get rid of gritty Golden State Warriors squad, 116-100, in Game 3 of 2022 NBA Finals, Wednesday night at Boston.

The home team bucked another patented Warriors third frame onslaught, but they looked more aggressive on both ends in the final period to inch two wins closer to the Larry O'brien trophy with a 2-1 series edge.

Jaylen Brown had 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, Jayson Tatum tallied 26 points 9 assists and 5 rebounds, and Marcus Smart added 24 markers, 7 boards and 5 dimes to spearhead the Celtics attack.

The Boston Cerberus became the first trio in NBA history since 1984 to each have at least 20 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in a finals game.

Celtics controlled the tempo in the early going as they manhandled the visiting Warriors in the first half, 68-56, with Brown going off with 22 points heading to the locker room. 

The third quarter Warriors fought back and regained the lead, 83-82 in the 3:43 mark sparked by Stephen Curry who scored 15 points in that quarter alone.

Entering the final frame, the Celtics displayed a 9-2 fightback to extend the lead to 11, 102-91.

The league's best defensive team showed their pedigree anew, clamping the Warriors to just 11 points in the entire fourth as Smart sealed the deal with a triple from Tatum's dime, 110-96.

Curry led the Golden State with game-high 31 points, and Klay Thompson finally got out of his shooting slump adding 25 points in a losing effort.

Game 4 will be on Friday in TD Garden again.


Edited by Quian Vencel Galut