Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett still great after all these years
MIAMI, May 31, 2012 (Sun Sentinel – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) —
Like a fine wine, a broken-in baseball glove or a pair of old Bostonian Clarks shoes, Celtics goliath Kevin Garnett is getting better with age.
Of the “Big 4,” Garnett, who turned 36 during Boston’s first-round victory over the Hawks, has become the Celtics’ No. 1 offensive option, particularly with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce not 100 percent healthy.
In his 16th NBA season, the 7-foot “Big Ticket” has become the “Big Stick-it,” as his trademark jumper from about 18 feet has become nearly automatic as well as indefensible.
Because of his condor-like wingspan, Garnett is a nightmarish matchup for any coach or player.
“In the last 5-6 years, he’s been the best shooting big in the league inside the 3-point line,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wednesday afternoon. “That’s what great players do, they all add elements to their game and now he adds another element to their whole game by moving to the ‘5’ [center].
“It’s inverted their offense. …He challenges your defense with his shooting ability. His release point is probably at 7-5; then he can also do it in the post and he’s a very good passer.”
In 14 playoff games, Garnett is averaging 19.5 points and 10.7 rebounds, a tad better than his career averages of 19.3 and 10.6. He leads all players with 10 double-doubles and 150 rebounds this postseason, and his 50.9 percent shooting ranks first among players who are averaging 19 points or higher.
“He’s always been a great shooter, but the older you get, you pretty much know the shots you’re looking for so you become more proficient,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.
Lately, Garnett has been saving most of his talking, trash or otherwise, for the court, but his teammates aren’t shy with their praise.
“He knows who he is, what he needs to do and he goes for it,” said Allen, who joined the Celtics in 2007, the same year as Garnett when they won their first NBA title together. “He relies on us to help him get better and he’s always going to be there for us.”
Heat guard Dwyane Wade knows when he drives to the basket this series, there’s always a chance that Garnett will send him sprawling.
“His leadership is the most important thing for the Celtics, but he’s shooting the ball as well as anybody from the outside,” Wade said. “Garnett is one of the toughest guys to ever play this game. He’s one guy who never quits.”
Rivers a Battier fan
Heat defensive stopper Shane Battier picked a great time to notch his first double-double of the season when he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in Monday’s Game 1 victory.
He also shut down Celtics forward Brandon Bass, who had just eight points after torching the 76ers in the last round for 14 points per game. Rivers switched up defensively and put Bass on Battier instead of Garnett in Game 2.
“Never surprised with Shane, not that I’m a Duke fan,” Rivers joked. “It was a great pickup by them, you knew when they got him. I’m sure earlier in the year people were wondering when he wasn’t making shots, I kept thinking his contribution is on the other end.
“He’s a great individual defender and maybe a better team defender.” …
In a 3:02 span of the first quarter Celtics 6-11 center Greg Stiemsma was called for four personal fouls.
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