Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett Will Have A Better Year In 2011: The Reasons
[picappgallerysingle id="9142364"] The final image of Kevin Garnett’s somber expression as he was done answering questions from the painful loss in game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals summed up the entire feeling of not only the Boston Celtics, but the entire nation of Celtics fans that watched the entire great playoff run. To come so close and be just so far despite the multitude of issues that haunted this Celtics team all season was a lot to stomach. The one solace I have is I know that KG felt a billion times worse than I did. This means trouble for the rest of the NBA from October on.
The year began with KG slowly playing himself back to the KG of old. The injury that he sustained would not be fully healed for a full calendar year. Playing in the NBA and absorbing all the rigors that go along with that, did not help KG’s recovering knee. The process was slow, but guys like Rondo, Pierce, and Perkins easily picked up the slack on both ends of the floor. The results were great and the team allowed KG to come back slow. Ever the warrior, KG kept playing despite being banged up. Problem was he ended up hyper extending his knee and missed more time just as it appeared he was turning the corner. KG would return, but it appeared the Celtics limited him. When guys like Andre Blatche and Rashard Lewis blew by KG and scored as KG dragged his leg, Celtics nation winced in pain as much as Garnett did. The prospects for the playoffs were bleak.
However, KG would prove he was not done being a difference making player. KG would dip into the well and play some of his best defense ever. In the first round he owned Michael Beasily. Beasily was made useless by KG’s smothering defense on the youngster. The next round Antawn Jamison was eaten alive by KG. Jamison would be so ineffective that it appeared he wanted no part of being involved in the Cavs offense. Rashard Lewis was KG’s next victim. KG made everyone forget the regular season in which Rashard did whatever he wanted to KG on the offensive end of the floor. KG made Lewis vanish as he scored about seven points a game and shot in the 30 percent range from the floor. KG was everywhere on Lewis. The result was Boston went to the Finals. Early on Pau Gasol imposed his will on KG. However from the end of game two and up until game six, Garnett out played Gasol and the Result was Boston had a 3 games to 2 series lead. Gasol would rebound in game six and seven and exercise his KG demons. The bottom line is KG clearly was not done being dominant.
Since the loss, KG has been working out and strengthening his legs. His body is now a full year removed from injury. The result of this should mean KG will be coming into camp for the first time since 2009 in game shape. This means that there will be no waiting until mid season to see KG perform at a high level. He should be KG right out of the gate. Being healthy will also add to KG’s confidence. Having the faith in his body to perform will allow him to push himself at both ends of the floor.
The fact that KG is easily one of the fiercest competitors in the game makes the way the season ended all the motivation that he needs to ramp it up. Losing to the Lakers in the manner that they did must eat at KG. Seeing Pau Gasol dominate in the middle at tiles must kill KG. The result of this is the most competitive player in the game is now working overtime to make sure that there is no repeat of last year. Hearing people say that he is too old and has lost a step or is no longer that guy that can win a team a title, only adds more fuel to the inferno in KG’s belly.
. KG will also benefit from the newest Celtics. Jermaine O’Neal will make it easier for KG to operate in the paint. Teams will have to respect Jermaine’s ability to score in the paint. This should make it easier for KG to score in the paint. The same can be said for Shaq. Shaq will allow KG some much needed breathing room in the paint. On the defensive end both will help KG because having two solid shot blockers in the middle will allow KG to take some chances. The O’Neals will also make it easier for KG to rebound due to the attention that they will receive in the paint.
2010 was a solid year for KG. He came back from injury and was a major force in Boston’s march to the NBA Finals. KG took major strides to set up a great 2011 season. The man’s play in the playoffs silenced a lot of critics. However, his age will make more critics. My money is on KG to silence all critics by having a monster year.
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There is no need to over work himself.That is how he hurt his knee the first time.All boston needs to do is pace themselves for a good play off run they will have no problem rebounding this year with the two oneal’s and perkins.They have all the help they need ,let the three headed monster in miami and the lakers burn themselves out during the year while the Celtics win the playoffs.
I have faith that this team will be paced and ready for a big run in June.
the spelling of these players names is awefull
How so?
yeah….like the correct spelling of “aweful” is actually awful.
Thanks, I did not want to state the obvious.
yeah….like the word aweful should be spelled “awful”.