Finally resembling the team that's the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics easily defeated the Chicago Bulls 104-87 in Game 3 of their first-round series on Friday.

The Celtics were able to win by playing like the team they've been all season. They played tough defense, moved the ball on offense and got a big game from Isaiah Thomas. And while Thomas rejoining his team after spending time with family in Washington in the wake of his sister's tragic death, provided an emotional lift to Boston, it was a retired Celtics legend that actually played a large role in their win.

Talking with ESPN's Adam Schefter after the game, Celtics guard Avery Bradley revealed that Kevin Garnett pre-game and Boston kept his inspirational message in their heads throughout their victory:

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The Celtics will need to keep using Garnett's message to motivate them if they want to tie the series up at 2-2. They will have a chance to do so in Game 4 on Sunday.