Boston Celtics trio star in Game 3 win over Golden State Warriors to reclaim NBA Finals control

The Boston Celtics’ very own three-headed dragon in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart led the home team to a crucial 116-100 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at TD Garden on Wednesday night.

Brown continued to press home his Finals MVP case by scoring 17 of his 27 points in the first quarter, while Tatum added 26 to help the Celtics bounce back from a disappointing Game 2 loss and take a crucial lead in the series. Marcus Smart contributed 24 points and spearheaded a characteristically defensive effort that held the Warriors to a dismal 11 points in the fourth quarter.

The three Celtics stars - who combined for 77 points - became the first trio since Los Angeles Lakers icons Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper and Magic Johnson in 1984 to each record at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists together in an NBA Finals game. After the win, Smart said the Celtics responded from being punched in the mouth in Game 2, while Tatum added: “I wanted to impose my will on the game and be aggressive.

“Whether I miss shots or not, I'm going to keep playing. My team-mates believe in me to make the right play to get the best shot. All that matters is that we got the win.”

It was ultimately a night to forget for Golden State, even with star point guard Steph Curry dropping 31 points - including six three-pointers. The two-time MVP had 15 points in a stirring third quarter for the Warriors but was injured late in the fourth after Al Horford rolled into his leg as the players battled for a loose ball. Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t comment on the injury, but suggested the Warriors were concerned about its severity.

Draymond Green fouled out in the fourth quarter when Curry was hurt on the