It has been 12 years since the Celtics last played in the NBA Finals. In 2010 Boston was defeated by the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The Celtics fans were excited to have the finals return to TD Garden.
According to Jayson Tatum, who scored 26 points in Game 3 in Boston, the energy was different and the fans were already in the arena before the game even started.
“Throughout the entire playoffs we haven’t been as good at home,” the 24-year-old forward said. “We definitely feel bad about that to our fans because they give us so much energy and so much juice.
“Like you said, before the game even started you could feel the energy throughout the building. First finals game since 2010, they were excited. It just felt great.
“I feel like it’s been a while since we played in this building. So, happy to get a win in front of the crowd. They’ve been so great for us throughout the playoffs and all season and throughout my career. So, it was great to win for them. We’re going to need them on Friday as well.”
