On this day in Boston Celtics history, the team defeated the Miami Heat, 101-91, in Game 3 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals. While the LeBron James-led Heat eventually won the series in seven games, the Celtics made them work for it. Game 3 was no exception. Future Hall of Fame big man Kevin Garnett led Boston with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while forward Paul Pierce added 23 points, and point guard Rajon Rondo had 21 points, 6 boards and 10 assists. Shooting guard Ray Allen chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds to the win.
It was also the game of Garnett’s infamous knuckle pushups after getting knocked to the ground on a hard foul in the second quarter. “I’m getting crap about my form, but I want people to know it’s because it was on my knuckles,” KG jested after the game (via the Associated Press). “That’s old school. My uncle taught me to do pushups on my knuckles. That’s some Army-Navy stuff.”
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“You’re trying to fight back the whole time,” said LeBron of the Heat’s failed comeback attempt. James scored four points in the game’s final frame, shut down by Boston’s defense as his rivals seemingly couldn’t miss. “We made a run, but it was too much.”
MIAMI, FL – MAY 30: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Exactly one year earlier, Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal officially announced his retirement after an injury-plagued season with Boston did not go as planned.
“I’m going to miss the competition. I’m going to miss the chase for the ring. You know, I’m actually going to miss everything,” shared Shaq via ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan.
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His 19 seasons and copious accolades placed him among the greatest that ever played. The onetime LSU star was properly honored by the league with his inclusion in the league’s all-time 75 greatest players list and by the sport with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: KG push-ups as BOS beat MIA G3 12 ECF; Shaq retires