Celtics need to test the refs in Game 3 of the Finals

Hasten back to Game 4 of the 1984 Finals - Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Lakers - Celtics down 2-1. The Lakers Kurt Rambis was on a fast break when - out of the blue - Kevin McHale took him out. That changed everything.

Game 3 of that series went to LA, and Larry Bird called out the whole team for playing like sissies. Not so in Game 4. The normally super-skilled, but somewhat-placid McHale took the opportunity to lay out Rambis on the hardwood. Did the refs care a lot? Not too much. Here is Kurt's reaction:

“The funny thing about all that,” he said, “huge brawl, everybody’s pushing and shoving, benches are clearing, and the referees just go, ‘OK, Kurt just go shoot your two free throws and let’s keep playing.’ That was the end of it. There was no fine, nothing.”

It was the NBA Finals after all. No technical foul for Kevin. No ejection from the game. Just a normal foul and two free throws for Rambis.

Now fast forward to the present. Draymond Green is testing the referees, and Dray has never been described as being "placid". The question is - should a member of the Boston Celtics test the refs in a similar manner?

Celtics coach, Ime Udoka, doesn't yell and stomp on the sidelines, but he is intense. Take that to the bank. Boston fans will see some changes in strategy in Game 3 tomorrow night at TD Garden.

The game has changed since 1984, but rookie coach Udoka and his youthful crew have a legit shot at Banner 18. Did I ever expect a clotheslining of Rambis by McHale? No way. It may be time for The Green to exert themselves and see just what the refs will tolerate in what may be one of the finest Finals matchups I have ever seen.

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