Celtics honor marathon bombing victims, 1st responders before playoff game vs NY Knicks

BOSTON – The TD Garden was swarming with police Friday night for the Boston Celtics' playoff game against the New York Knicks.

Both outside the building and on the floor.

The Celtics honored the first-responders from last week's Boston Marathon attack during the Game 3 of the first-round series, their first at home since the April 15 bombing at the race's finish line.

"They've been through a lot," Celtics coach Doc Rivers, whose father was a police officer in the Chicago area, said before the game. "I think they can't get enough support; they can't get enough love. So I think it will be wonderful for them and for the fans as well."

The Celtics were scheduled to play Indiana in Boston in their regular-season finale April 16, the day after the bombings. The game was canceled, and the Celtics began the playoffs in New York, where they went down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.

The Bruins and Red Sox received an emotional welcome on their return, and on Friday it was the Celtics' turn.

An honor guard from the Boston police, fire and emergency medical services brought out the American flag, and a cappella group Voices of Freedom, in military uniforms, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" before the game. The moment of silence was punctuated often by pro-Boston cheers.

Between the first and second quarters, the time the Celtics traditionally recognize a "Hero Among Us," dozens of doctors and nurses, police and other law enforcement officials and marathon volunteers were given a standing ovation when they were escorted onto the court by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Fans at the game were subjected to increased security, including searches of their cars and metal-detecting wands. Once inside, they found white T-shirts on their seats with "Boston Strong" written in Celtics green.

The basket supports featured an ad for the One Fund, the charity established to help the bombing victims.