Boston Celtics

Marcus Smart added 24 points.

Stephen Curry led Golden State with 31 points and six 3-pointers. He had 15 points in a 33-25 third quarter by the Warriors but was hurt late in the fourth after Al Horford rolled into his leg on a loose ball.

It was similar to a play during the regular season in which Smart dove into Curry’s legs while chasing a loose ball.

Klay Thompson broke out of a finals slump and finished with 25 points and five 3-pointers.

Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is on Friday (Saturday NZT) in Boston.

Boston failed in their last five play-off runs and almost did so again as Jimmy Butler missed a late three-point attempt which would have given Miami the lead.

But the Celtics go on to face the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.

"This is a typical Celtics win," coach Ime Udoka said.

"We fought through a lot of adversity this year. We're a resilient group and tonight seemed to signify our season. We can't ever seem to shut the door and have to grind it out."

Hayward jumped in an effort to catch a pass from a team-mate when he came down on his ankle on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old was taken off the court on a stretcher, with the Celtics later confirming an ankle fracture.

Hayward was picked up in free agency this offseason by the Celtics.

He signed a four-year, $127million contract. Hayward had two points and a rebound at the time of his injury.