On June 1, 2012, the Boston Celtics reignited their championship aspirations with a pivotal 101–91 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This game is particularly remembered for Kevin Garnett’s iconic knuckle push-ups, a testament to his resilience and leadership.
Garnett’s Grit: The Knuckle Push-Up Moment
Early in the second quarter, Garnett was fouled hard by Udonis Haslem, sending him sprawling to the parquet floor. Instead of showing pain, Garnett dropped into a set of knuckle push-ups, igniting the TD Garden crowd and his teammates. He later explained, “That’s old-school. My uncle taught me to do push-ups on my knuckles. That’s some Army-Navy-type stuff”.
Dominance in the Paint
Garnett’s performance was instrumental in the Celtics’ victory. He scored a team-high 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds. The Celtics capitalized on his presence, outscoring the Heat 58–46 in the paint. Coach Doc Rivers emphasized the strategy: “Every time Kevin rolled, throw it up. There’s nobody taller than him on the floor; throw it up in the air, Kevin will go get it”.
The Jungle Roars
The energy in TD Garden, affectionately known as “The Jungle,” was palpable. Garnett acknowledged the crowd’s impact, stating, “The Jungle was rocking tonight. I loved it. I f—ing loved it” . The Celtics fed off this energy, embarking on a 14–6 run following Garnett’s push-ups, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the game.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Farewell
Coincidentally, June 1 also marks the anniversary of Shaquille O’Neal’s retirement announcement in 2011. After a 19-year career, O’Neal shared a video message: “We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first. I’m about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon” . His departure signified the end of an era, as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history stepped away from the game.
Legacy of the 2012 Celtics
The Celtics’ Game 3 victory showcased their resilience and determination. Garnett’s leadership and performance were emblematic of the team’s fighting spirit. Although they eventually fell to the Heat in seven games, this moment remains a highlight in Celtics lore, symbolizing the heart and tenacity that define the franchise.