Grading the Boston Celtics Game 3 vs. the Brooklyn Nets, player-by-player

With a historic postseason performance from one of the Boston Celtics’ star wings and a peppering of intense (but mostly respectful) boos keeping former Celtic Kyrie Irving out of his game most of the night, Boston easily had its best game — and first win — of their 2021 first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Grading individual players is always an easier task when presented with such circumstances, but the Celtics were far from perfect despite bringing the series record up to a 1 – 2 score. There were some solid supporting acts to the masterclass in offense put on by a certain St. Louis native, but also a few duds.

With that said, let’s take a look at all the players who left an imprint on this game, with playing time north of 10 minutes.

Grant Williams - 11 minutes, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 4 points - C+

Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, right, grabs Brooklyn Nets forward Blake Griffin, who drives to the basket during the second quarter of Game 3 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, May 28, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Grant's ability to play small-ball center reminded us of why he was so valuable in the Disney bubble playoffs, and while he didn't play much, he likely earned a bigger role in Game 4. And just in time with Robert Williams III looking doubtful with a sprained ankle.

Romeo Langford - 27 minutes, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 points - C+

Brooklyn Nets forward Nicolas Claxton (33) looks for room to make a move against Boston Celtics guard Romeo Langford (45) during the first quarter of Game 3 during an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, May 28, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

The Celtics shifted from an offense-first approach to a more defensive footing for Game 3, and it paid off from Jayson Tatum to Romeo Langford. The Indiana product did his job with few mistakes, and even hit a pair of timely treys.

Tristan Thompson - 30 minutes, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 19 points - A-

Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets fouls Tristan Thompson #13 of the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round series at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

By far the best game of his Celtics career, it is becoming clear Thompson feeds off the energy of postseason play, particularly when the wind of the crowd support is at his back. More of this level of play in Game 4 could be the key to evening the series -- a proposition that would have sounded absurd not many days ago.

Kemba Walker - 34 minutes, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 points - D+

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) is defended by Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker during the fourth quarter of Game 3 during an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, May 28, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Of several postseason stinkers with the Celtics, this wasn't Walker's worst. But it was far from what Boston needs from the UConn product moving forward -- here's to hoping this dud was a blip.

Evan Fournier - 37 minutes, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 17 points - B

Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournier (94) drives to the basket between Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) and Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Fournier seems more comfortable as a third or fourth option, but may need to have a bigger role on nights when his teammates aren't rolling as they were Friday. That said, he played within his game and provided key support on both ends for one of his best postseason tilts in Boston yet.

Marcus Smart - 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 23 points - B+

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) questions a call to the official during the second half during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

As far as Smart games go, this one was near ideal. No heat checks ad a level head when it counted most, the Flower Mound native helped keep the ball in motion and scored when he needed to. And his overturned charge response will live forever in Celtics memedom.

Jayson Tatum - 41 minutes, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 50 points - A+

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Brooklyn Nets forward Blake Griffin (2) during the first half during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

When you literally play so well they record it in the record books, you get at least an "A" -- and when it results in a critical win, there's only a "+" to add to the assessment. While that's not a sustainable model to win a postseason series, if nothing else it gives us a whole lot to be excited about moving forward. This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook! [lawrence-related id=51255,51252,51250,51229,51213] [listicle id=51236]

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