East Boston kids win Celtics tickets to Game 3

BOSTON -- Students in East Boston were given the gift of a lifetime: tickets to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the TD Garden on Tuesday night.

One by one, more than a dozen teenagers from the East Boston Basketball League were led into the gym at the Orient Heights Community Center, not knowing what to expect.

“I had no idea what it was. It was...crazy,” said Steven Tauro.

They did not have to wait long to find out the amazing news.

“On behalf of Dunkin’ Donuts, we would like to send you guys all to tonight’s game,” said an official with Dunkin’ Donuts.

The kids now had their hand on the hottest ticket in town.

“I’ve never been to a Celtics game before. This is my first game ever and now I’m really excited, especially an NBA Finals game against the Lakers. Kobe vs. Paul Pierce. I’m psyched,” said Jason Cruz.

The league allows over 250 kids to play basketball every Saturday from November to March. The group that won the tickets was a collection of kids from the league’s championship team.

“It’s kept me off the streets, and it just lets me play basketball with all the kids from town and it’s been really nice,” said Mike Theriault.

The president of the league is excited for his players.

“It always blows my mind. Like I said, I couldn’t believe that this was happening. I’m more excited. The parents are like, ‘You’re kidding me right,’” said Michael Gaeta, the president of the East Boston Basketball League.

Game 3 is Tuesday night beginning at 9 p.m.

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