The Celtics bounced back from their post-Game 2 locker room scuffle with a wall-to-wall win over the Miami Heat. Miami never led, the first time in 70 games they never led in a game.

Jaylen Brown led with three steals and 26 points in an overwhelming two-way effort. He pushed a 9-2 run before halftime with the “Best 5” lineup, while Jayson Tatum added 25. Boston couldn’t shake their late game woes though, relinquishing a 19-point lead to allow Miami as close as five before closing 117-106 at the free throw line.d

Scroll below for reaction from CLNS Media’s post game coverage team and the Celtics and Heat.

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The Garden Report —

Did Celtics Turn Series Around w- Game 3 Win Over Heat

The Celtics recovered from a Game 2 meltdown on and off the court to dismantle the Heat in Game 3. Jimmy Toscano, Josue Pavon & Bobby Manning discuss whether the C’s have swung the tide in the series back in their favor.

GORDON HAYWARD Return Sparks Celtics Game 3 Victory Over Heat

Gordon Hayward returned from a sprained ankle and helped propel the Celtics to a 117-106 win over the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jimmy Toscano, Josue Pavon, and Bobby Manning break down Hayward’s return.

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Game 3 Post Game Show

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Twitter reaction:

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Press Conferences —

Boston Celtics

Brad Stevens:

Stevens discussed Gordon Hayward’s return and his decision to stay in the bubble for the rest of the playoff run despite his son’s impending birth. He also lauded his group for rallying from their locker room meltdown after Game 2, saying he wasn’t surprised that the group found themselves amid heightened emotion.

Jayson Tatum:

Tatum reminisced on the team going from a locker room scuffle to a triumphant win in 48 hours after the Celtics beat the Heat in Game 3. He said the feud on Thursday was how a team should respond to being down 0-2 after blowing two leads, angry. On Hayward’s return, Tatum ripped anyone who thinks the team is better without Hayward.

Jaylen Brown:

Brown led the Celtics attack after a low-key showing in Game 3, reaching 23 points in the third quarter and finishing with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. He said much of the noise around the team’s locker room meltdown and his feud with Marcus Smart was overblown and that the Celtics proved their togetherness.

Gordon Hayward:

Hayward gritted out 30 Game 3 minutes scoring six points with five rebounds and three steals in positive bench minutes after missing one month with an ankle sprain. His return led a Game 3 burst for the Celtics to get within 2-1 in the East Finals and he announced after the game that he will not leave the NBA bubble when his wife gives birth in the coming week or two

Kemba Walker:

Walker rode increased comfort alongside Gordon Hayward’s return to a 8-for-16, 21 point performance. He spoke about the team coming together and his second straight productive game after the Celtics pulled within 2-1 in the East Finals.

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Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra:

Bam Adebayo:

Adebayo said the Celtics overpowered the Heat in the post and hit them hard again in the first half after Boston beat Miami in Game 3 of the East FInals. Adebayo scored 27 points with 16 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks, but the Celtics scored over 50 points in the paint against his defensive unit, something he said can’t happen.

Jimmy Butler:

Butler said it’s “getting old” going down early for the Heat against the Celtics after they did it for the third straight game and couldn’t complete a late comeback within five after trailing by 19. Butler scored 17 points in the loss.

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