Today in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise defeated the Miami Heat 101-91 in Game 3 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. Although the LeBron James-led Heat ultimately secured the series in seven games, the Celtics pushed them in a major way. Game 3 of the series was no exception, either. Future Hall of Fame big man Kevin Garnett spearheaded Boston’s efforts with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while fellow Hall of Fame forward Paul Pierce chipped in another 23 points. Point guard Rajon Rondo recorded 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, and shooting guard Ray Allen added another 10 points and 5 rebounds to the victory.
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).
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“That’s old school. My uncle taught me to do pushups on my knuckles. That’s some Army-Navy stuff.”
Historic milestones
“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.”
May 7, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) talks with point guard Rajon Rondo (9) in game three of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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, you know, the chase for the ring. 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 knuckle pushups, Cs beat Heat in G3 ’12 ECF; Shaq retires