WATCH: Robert Kraft addresses the Celtics following Game 3 NBA Finals win
New England Patriots owner and long-time Celtics fan Robert Kraft addressed the team after their Game 3 win in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Jun 8, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft watches game three of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The starts - mostly local athletes from other teams - were out and about for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at TD Garden Wednesday night. Among them was one lifelong fan who has been a mainstay throughout this playoff run - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft, who grew up in Brookline, Mass. is a long-time fan of the team and friends with his Celtics' counterpart Wyc Grousbeck. Kraft was seated next to Grousbeck at Wednesday night's game, as has been the case for most of the postseason.
However, Kraft's involvement in the game when beyond cheering for the C's from the sideline. After the game, he had a chance to address the team. The Celtics shared a snippet of his message on Twitter.
"I've been watching the Celtics since I was a kid - and that's a few years ago. And that's with Bill Russell and Bob Cousy and [Bill] Sharman and [Jim] Loscutoff. And I love the teams right up through Bird," Kraft began. "But seeing this, you guys have something special here," he adds before the video cuts off.
Kraft also got an up-close moment with forward Grant Williams as he walked off the court and into the tunnel. It's tough to make out exactly what he says to Williams, outside of the word 'champion.'
Kraft wasn't the only Patriots representative in attendance. Head coach Bill Belichick was at the game as well. Belichick has also been open in his praise of the Celtics, and has started most of his OTA press conferences by congratulating the team on their latest win.
Current players in attendance included running backs James White and Damien Harris, and defensive linemen Davon Godchaux and Byron Cowart. Former linebacker Dont'a Hightower was also shown on the big screen at one point - he is currently a free agent but has spent his whole 10-year NFL career with the team to this point.
The Patriots are all currently in town for Mandatory Minicamp, which runs through Thursday. Then they have two more OTA practices scheduled for next week. Expect them to have a strong showing at Friday's Game 4 just like they did for Game 3.
