Kevin Garnett slipping badly?

[CaptChris]

KG has not played well for the last 4 games. It is not just "he had a bad game" times 4! It is an obvious lack of energy and execution.

His "O" game is missing. He is shooting 40%, and can't hit the turn-around consistantly, or the 18' wing jump[er. His "D" has slipped also. He is late on his rotations, and can't play Gasol or Bynum straight up either. He is only getting 4.5 Rebounds a game.

It looks like he had run out of gas. Like he is wore out. Or just plain losing it.

Thoughts?

[Spleen]

Garnett looks terrible. I thought the 5 days off before this series started would benefit him the most, but instead, he's looking worse than ever. The mass media would have everyone believe that it is LA's length that has caused him to have such a poor showing, but that really isn't the problem. He has no lift, I mean he's only able to elevate a few inches. He muffed a couple of layups in the first game simply because he couldn't get high enough to get it over the rim. His brain says that when he's under the net and not swamped by a defender then he just goes straight up and dump it in directly since this is what he's done for the last 14 years, only now the flesh is unwilling. He's getting caught on defense because he can't slide over as quick as he used to, or establish his position on the defense quick enough and that lost half step gets him a whistle these days. His field goal shooting isn't too good anymore either, and that again is probably mostly due to getting no lift causing his release point to be off.

Make no mistake that Bynum and Gasahol are contributing factors, but most of it is coming from Kevin's diminished prowess. The rest didn't help, and it isn't an issue of "being off his game", he just isn't bringing anything close to the old KG now on a nightly basis. He's not getting stronger, and maybe he'll have something to offer next season, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Without KG being KG and Pierce being Pierce, can we really expect Ray and Rondo to carry the team past LA? LA has too many weapons for that to happen. Close but no cigar this year.

[RAH]

I agree. It's kind of like not even having Garnett (in fact, he might even be hurting the team being out there instead of say Sheed - Yikes!). They couldn't win last year without him, so it seems pretty tough to win this year too. Hope I'm wrong.

[OB- wan]

I can't wait to see the game 6 thread when Capt says "Thank God for Sheed." :cool:

KG can't bring it when it's all on the line. It looks like he can carry a team through the first couple of rounds but when they start playing for the big money he folds.

I think the guy is too manic and his brain is getting in the way of his game which is one reason I like Sheed. Sheed glides down the court like a Cadillac and doesn't let big games screw up his head.

Sheed has lost a step and blows defensive rotations once in a while but he's not going to let his brain explode in his head and blow two point blank lay-ins like KG did in game one. When I saw that I was ready to slash KG playing time and get Sheed into the rotation more.

[ThroughThatDoor]

The thought that a lot of people have is that he had a cortisone shot earlier in the playoffs which makes you feel absolutely great at first and then even worse when it wears off which would explain how during the Cleveland series he all of a sudden looked like the KG of '08 out of nowhere and now looks like the KG of '09 and '10 or even worse again. As much as it pains me to say this, Sheed and Baby should be taking more of his minutes.

[RAH]

Sheed glides down the court like a Cadillac and doesn't let big games screw up his head.

Um, except that Cadillacs use a lot of gas. Sheed uses as little gas (effort) as he can. Don't strain yourself, big guy! ;) He makes Robert Parish look manic, let alone KG!

I think, as others have said, that KG is injured and even if he contains his manic tendencies, he just can't play very well. Have you seen him try to move sideways? I can move better than that!

[CaptChris]

OB: In game 6, I don't care if it is Gerald Green who saves the Celtics! Winning is the thing.

To think that our chance of a Championship rests on Rasheed Wallace's head is like praying for Cancer, because it is faster than Lou Geherig's Disease. Just that one is a faster death than the other. Wallace and a logical thought is ridiculous. Brain Dead may save him, but that's it. A guy who had 41 Technicals in a season is really a Mensa candidate.

Shoot KG up with Cortizone again. Heck, I get multiple shots 5 or 6 times a year to keep moving. Heck, I just got both hips shot-up so I could survive the cruise before the hip operation. I had the back shot-up so I didn't need a wheelchair.

KG is playing STUPID basketball, and committing DUMB fouls. Eliminate the DUMB< and we WIN!

[Celtics17]

If he's hurt, he's no more hurt than he was in the Cleveland series. I think he took himself out of the first two a little bit, but clearly the length of Gasol and Bynum did bother him in the first two, heck, it's been bothering the team as a whole all series.

Tonight he finally realized that his advantage over Gasol is in his quickness. He may have lost some explosiveness as the Spaniard says, but he's still much, much quicker, more agile, and athletic than Pau Gasol.

Keep your head soaked so you don't overheat, KG , and use your advantage.

[RAH]

It almost looked to me like they did shoot KG with more cortisone. Very hard to figure these players who play totally different from one game to the next against the same opponent. With streaky shooters like Ray Allen you can kind of understand, but KG looks like a different player from game to game.

[CaptChris]

RAH: Probably did get the shot. His movement was much more fluid. He even had some lift.

Now, come the big question. Can he do it again next game?

I sure hope so.

[Laker fan]

Garnett finally played like himself. I'm not sure if he can keep it up, but at least he should feel confident that he can and then repeat it. But what happened to the rest of the team? They played great defense but the offense didn't show up. Big Baby did real well in the stretch, but what happened to Pierce and Allen? Allen had some open shots, but didn't have the touch like he did Sunday. I think Kobe and Ray were so busy guarding each other, they had no focus left for the offense.

Pierce hit a big three to cut the Laker lead, but he had not shown up at all in this series.

I fear that the C's will come back with vengeance on Thursday.

[OB- wan]

He played a thousand times better in game 3 but come on guys, he is not playing like a closer.

The rebound that he didn't clamp onto where Kobe slapped it and the whole review fiasco took place is a microcosm of the guy's lack of ability to get it done when its all on the line.

KG is a role player and did a good job playing his role in '08 which is why the C's won and why Paul won the MVP.

KG does not have the fortitude emotionally to GET IT DONE. He has brain farts and motor skill farts that rob the Celtics in key situations.

It was nice to see him play better in game 3 but really it's similar to watching Glen Davis in my book. Some nice plays and a lot of hoopla by the player and crowd but not the real substance when it counts to win the game.

KG and Davis both made good plays but a lot of it was cancelled out by missed opportunities, like BB taking it at 2 seven footers repeatedly and getting blocked when he could have passed out the rebound and tried to get a good shot or KG not rebounding with authority when it counted. Not to mention KG missing ally-oops...wtf? don't worry about dunking it, dude. Grab the fuggin ball out of the air, gather yourself if you need to and score it, you're 7 foot 1 or 2 ... act like it. Even if he's slowed a step you can't tell me he is not as athletic as Pau.

[Celtics17]

Man,

I really used to have a modicum of respect for your take on the Celtics and basketball, in general. Unfortunately, your only contributions these days are to rank on your own personal anti-heroes regardless of their actual performances on the court.

Boo to Ob-wan!

[OB- wan]

I like it when players play with in themselves. KG is not doing that. The Celtics are getting beat on the glass and at the rim. The 7'1" guy needs to play the right way, like Larry Brown used to say.

Playing the right way is not scoring 20+ points or getting a certain number of statistical categories into double digits. Its playing smart and playing fundamentally well, something a lot of the heroes don't do.

How about Kobe playing free safety off of Rondo? Looks like that is working well again. If your PG can't hit open shots, like Fisher, all the extra mustard on the hot dog that Rondo brings is kind of a waste.

[Celtics17]

Boxing out bigger guys and banging down low against seven footers who like to play on the interior have never been KG's strengths. Covering ground on the defensive end, helping, hedging on pick and rolls, using his length and agility both offensively and defensively, as well as his considerable skill as a passer and shooter are the things he's done well since being a Celtic.

Garnett's not as effective as he was in '08 at doing the things that he does well, but he's still a top power forward in this league, as he has shown through significant portions of these playoffs and again last night.

Most people didn't seem to be down on KG because he "wasn't playing the right way" after games 1 and 2, but more because he couldn't score over Gasol and Bynum. He figured out how to use his quickness advantage facing up in game 3, and, hopefully, he'll be able to continue to exploit that. With Artest locking down Paul so far, scoring out of one of our main guys is something we'll desperately need.

As to Rondo, I happened to really like the way he played last night throughout the first 47 minutes and 20 seconds. The way he gave up on that full court drive and and one by Fisher to put the Lakers up seven, and effectively seal the game was definitely discouraging, though.

[OB- wan]

Look, I'm coming unglued, man. I'm not making a lot of sense but watching this crap has robbed me of my sanity. I understand the points about KG but I'm pleading for him to get it done, I don't care if it’s his "game" or not, just don't lose to the Lakers+refs because I will completely snap and all this jive I've been spewing will look like a fond memory before the wheels came flying off completely.

Rondo and KG are doing a lot of things well but they are not doing things perfectly and that won't overcome the slant that the Lakers have on this series. Boston has to play definitively better than the Lakers because if there is any doubt, as we have seen, the Lakers are going to get the calls.

[EvilWilliams]

Look, I'm coming unglued, man. I'm not making a lot of sense but watching this crap has robbed me of my sanity. I understand the points about KG but I'm pleading for him to get it done, I don't care if it’s his "game" or not, just don't lose to the Lakers+refs because I will completely snap and all this jive I've been spewing will look like a fond memory before the wheels came flying off completely.

Rondo and KG are doing a lot of things well but they are not doing things perfectly and that won't overcome the slant that the Lakers have on this series. Boston has to play definitively better than the Lakers because if there is any doubt, as we have seen, the Lakers are going to get the calls.

Would it help if I offered to buy a Caddy off ya?

[OB- wan]

Would it help if I offered to buy a Caddy off ya?

You could by the one I drive but I don't sell 'em anymore. :D

I now work for the Federal Government and own a bed and breakfast. My wife and I just had our first kid last week. Little Bobby has been staying up late with Dad watching the Celtic games and being startled when Dad yells at the TV.

I'm not a wild, drunk twenty something anymore but I don't think it has improved the quality of my posts any. :cool:

[Celtics17]

Allright, I take back my boos. I now issue a big cheer for Ob-Wan and little Bobby.

Your story reminds me of 2001 when I would stay up late with my first daughter and watch the glory years team with Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, Kenny Anderson, Eric Williams and the Ukraine Train battling the mighty New Jersey Nets for the Eastern Conference title. Wow! Perspective.

Congratulations!!

[DrifterCarter]

The Finals have been horrible. Most particulary with the Big Three. The reason why the Celtics have been playing bad is because all three have never got in rhythm and were limited to minutes on the floor together due to bogus foul trouble. The problem I see where the Celtics struggling is the battle for the boards and points in the paint. Attack LA's strength, the frontcourt, and they'll back down. They haven't backed down so far because the Celtics are playing like little girls scared of two seven footers. I'm from LA, and I'm rooting for you guys because I think it was unfair how you guys didn't get to defend your championship from '08 without KG and Powe.

[CaptChris]

When was the last time anyone defended Perk? Bynum has camped in the paint because Perk can't hit a shot from over 3 ft. from the basket. Getting 3 shots blocked. Perk has taken 1 shot from 5 ft. in the series. The rest are bunnies. He has scored 25 Pts.. He has shot his fouls well at 73%. He hasn't blocked a shot in the series. = 0!

Bynum has intimidated all our shooters by clogging the paint. He plays OFF Perk, and has (8) BLOCKS in the series. Bynum has 40 Pts.

Perk -- + 10.38

Bynum -- + 15.21

[RAH]

Boxing out bigger guys and banging down low against seven footers who like to play on the interior have never been KG's strengths. Covering ground on the defensive end, helping, hedging on pick and rolls, using his length and agility both offensively and defensively, as well as his considerable skill as a passer and shooter are the things he's done well since being a Celtic.

I agree. I REALLY disliked his game when he first came here, because I was expecting him to go inside and bang. But I realized long ago that it isn't going to happen and it's not how he plays. I still would prefer that he played that way, considering his size, but he's pretty effective with what he's always done. Unfortunately, he can't even do that consistently nowadays.

[EvilWilliams]

You could by the one I drive but I don't sell 'em anymore. :D

I now work for the Federal Government and own a bed and breakfast. My wife and I just had our first kid last week. Little Bobby has been staying up late with Dad watching the Celtic games and being startled when Dad yells at the TV.

I'm not a wild, drunk twenty something anymore but I don't think it has improved the quality of my posts any. :cool:

Good stuff! All the best to you, the missus and the little guy!

Well wishes for your business venture, as well. A bed and breakfast, eh? Still in Michigan I'm guessing? When can we expect the annual C-N banquet to be hosted there?

[EvilWilliams]

When was the last time anyone defended Perk? Bynum has camped in the paint because Perk can't hit a shot from over 3 ft. from the basket. Getting 3 shots blocked. Perk has taken 1 shot from 5 ft. in the series. The rest are bunnies. He has scored 25 Pts.. He has shot his fouls well at 73%. He hasn't blocked a shot in the series. = 0!

Bynum has intimidated all our shooters by clogging the paint. He plays OFF Perk, and has (8) BLOCKS in the series. Bynum has 40 Pts.

Perk -- + 10.38

Bynum -- + 15.21

Great, Capt. And so what is your point? Does any of this come as a shock for you? Were you expecting Perkins to channel his inner Wilt and average a double-double for the series? Why harp on his scoring ability. Perk is what he is, or haven't you come to grips with that?

But if it makes you feel better to vent about the lack of offensive output from the fifth option on the floor at any given time, so be it. I just think it amounts to complaining about the freckle on your toe when you have a lemon-sized mole on your nose.

[RAH]

Perk is what he is

Yeah, I agree. On another team, having Perk in the center would be a disaster. But on a team with all the (supposed) offense weapons the Cs have, he is adequate. In any rebuilding effort, they would need to get a better center, I think (unless they got a bunch of young super-stars!).

[texascelticsfan]

KG still spending too much time 18+ feet from the basket, causing havoc on the rebounding. I think KG was expecting a Jamison/Shaq toughness not what we're seeing, he needs to step it up on the boards/play in the paint.

[CaptChris]

Great, Capt. And so what is your point? Does any of this come as a shock for you? Were you expecting Perkins to channel his inner Wilt and average a double-double for the series? Why harp on his scoring ability. Perk is what he is, or haven't you come to grips with that?

But if it makes you feel better to vent about the lack of offensive output from the fifth option on the floor at any given time, so be it. I just think it amounts to complaining about the freckle on your toe when you have a lemon-sized mole on your nose.

God forbid that anyone expect Perk to do anything! Isn't this the same guy who gave us 12 Pts. -- 12 Rebounds -- 2.6 Blocks in the play-offs last year.


This series he is giving us squat. FACTS: -- 6PTS. -- 6 REBS. -- 0 blocksIN THIS SERIES.

He gave us 10 Pts. -- 8 REBOUNDS AND 2.2 BLOCKS IN THE REGULAR SEASON.

So Perk doesn't show up, but what should you expect??

Gee, I thought you were supposed to step it up in the playoff. MY BAD!

[texascelticsfan]

If the Lakers double-team Perk on the boards (WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN DOING), there's a higher likeliness they'll get the rebound as KG is out of position leaving it to Rondo or Pierce, which is ridiculous. This is the big factor behind Rondo's inflated rebounding numbers (OB?).

Perhaps I'm confused but isn't KG supposed to get more than 6 rebs in 32 minutes of time?

How about BBQ's 3 rebounds in 24 minutes of time?


Gee, I thought you were supposed to step it up in the playoff. MY BAD!

Perk gets 11 rebounds in 22 minutes the last game so Capt uses averages instead. Maybe we can bring in per48 just to take it further into outerspace.

Edit: The C's as a whole had 35 rebounds, so Perk was responsible for 31% of those. Only 8 of those 35 were offensive rebounds, for which Perk got 5 or 62.5%. So is it Perk or maybe some other players? KG, Davis and Sheed combined for 13 rebounds (2 offensive), thats not a problem?

Perk also was on the bench for the 4th, when Davis was killing us with poor decisions.

Maybe the Ticket/Ticket Stub was for a regular season game?

[EvilWilliams]

God forbid that anyone expect Perk to do anything! Isn't this the same guy who gave us 12 Pts. -- 12 Rebounds -- 2.6 Blocks in the play-offs last year.


This series he is giving us squat. FACTS: -- 6PTS. -- 6 REBS. -- 0 blocksIN THIS SERIES.

He gave us 10 Pts. -- 8 REBOUNDS AND 2.2 BLOCKS IN THE REGULAR SEASON.

So Perk doesn't show up, but what should you expect??

Gee, I thought you were supposed to step it up in the playoff. MY BAD!

As usual, the Capt. either sidesteps the issue or ignores facts critical to his argument.

You're honestly giving me Perk's playoff numbers from last year? And you neglect to factor in the absense of Garnett and Powe and how that may inflate his numbers across the board? C'mon now. As Mark Jackson would say, "you're better than that."

Oh, and as for your FACTS, as you call them, they're not really accurate. In this series, Perkins has given us 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Not a simple 6 and 6 as you would have us believe. Plus, as TCF pointed out, an 11-rebound game in Game 3 obviously shows he stepped up his rebounding.

I'm not sure what your expectations are of this player. Especially against a big front line like L.A. has. I'd love for him to dominate the paint and dunk over people, but that would go against what I have seen from KP this year and in years past.

My advice: Get Real.

[texascelticsfan]

C'mon now. As Mark Jackson would say, "you're better than that."


I was reading on Basketbawful about things this guy wants to hear Mark Jackson say, they're pretty funny:


"Heaven to murgatroid!"
"Oh my stars and garters!"
"Come on! I mean, COME ON!"
"GET TO THE CHOPPA!"
"SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS!"
"Delicious."
"Watch out for the big girl!"
"That's-a spicy meatball"
"Groovy."

[EvilWilliams]

Actually, I'd prefer if I didn't have to hear him say anything. Ever. Again.

I'm about ready to stuff a firecracker in my ear the next time I hear "Momma there goes that man."

[meta4]

"with the Beyonce move, to the left to the left". His writers need new material.

[Laker fan]

Yeah, he is not the quickest wit. His voice reminds me of Sir Charles and I always think him talking. I always have to remind myself that it's Mark Jackson. "Mama, pick up the phone."

[RAH]

I hate to say it, but I am almost getting used to Mark Jackson and Van Gundy. I used to absolutely hate them, but now I just dislike them. Occasionally, Van Gundy offers some interesting analysis. They are at their worst when they get into some disagreement about some pronouncement that one of them made and then they beat it to death for 10 minutes, ignoring what's happening on the court. Grrrrrr!

[texascelticsfan]

I think the point is that there totally inane, so why not come up with some new ones.

I just created mine.

"I want my kibbles and bits."

You know you can hear him saying it.

[CaptChris]

You're honestly giving me Perk's playoff numbers from last year? And you neglect to factor in the absense of Garnett and Powe and how that may inflate his numbers across the board? C'mon now. As Mark Jackson would say, "you're better than that."

I can just hear the screaming if a Celtic Fan said Perk only did well because Powe and Garnett weren't there. Get Real. Is this the same Perk who was doubled in the Orlando series, when he go 5 Rebs. and 5 Pts? OOPS By the way Garnett Out-Rebounded in the 1st 3 series.

Garnett has to do better and Perk has to do somethng if we want to WIN the game.

[texascelticsfan]

Im making some BBQ tomorrow/this weekend in honor of Davis tonight! Killer game, all hustle points and HE WENT TO THE BASKET. Not crappy 18 ft jumpers with no one near position.

The question is brisket? ribs? tenderloin? chicken? maybe sausage and chicken ala gumbo?

[OB- wan]

Me too. I'm making homemade sauce and everything. I might even stomp around the house and scream till I drool.

[Celtics17]

Im making some BBQ tomorrow/this weekend in honor of Davis tonight! Killer game, all hustle points and HE WENT TO THE BASKET. Not crappy 18 ft jumpers with no one near position.

The question is brisket? ribs? tenderloin? chicken? maybe sausage and chicken ala gumbo?

Mmmmm-mmmm!

[sprtsfans]

I agree. It's kind of like not even having Garnett (in fact, he might even be hurting the team being out there instead of say Sheed - Yikes!). They couldn't win last year without him, so it seems pretty tough to win this year too. Hope I'm wrong.

I also agree with you.

www.america-jerseys.com

[texascelticsfan]

Mmmmm-mmmm!

Ended up doing some Andouille Sausage, Southwest Chicken and some red beans & rice and grilled veggies. Very tasty.

[Celtics17]

Sounds like a nice Big Baby BBQ.

[texascelticsfan]

Oh it was, now what to cook for tonight...

[Spleen]

Ended up doing some Andouille Sausage, Southwest Chicken and some red beans & rice and grilled veggies. Very tasty.

Sounds great, was there anything to wash it all down with?

[texascelticsfan]

Lots of beer and some Jamison of course.

[Basics06]

Say goodbye to the Big Ticket, and hello to the Big Coupon!

[zippo_d_frog]

KG was struggling all throughout the regular season. It was only in the nick of time that #5 became healthy. There were even instances that he showed a little limp and favoring the knee. But as the finals rolled on, Garnett became a little healthy and showed shades of shaded lane domination. I still believe that Garnett was prematurely activated seeing him dragging his leg in the final stages of the regular season.

I think KG will be better next year than this year. But of course, maybe a step slower than 2008 KG.

[Basics06]

ha-ha, good luck. you'll need it.

[KOBE4EVER!]

Thats right Boston Bi*ches. How does it feel to lose? And how does it feel to see your team fall apart for the next 20 yrs? Your window has closed and your pain is my gratification. Karma's a bi*ch aint it? I'm glad you guys won in 08 and talked trash for 2 yrs. It made this championship win even better. All that chest pounding, paulina pierce floppin has gone to an end, while you watch the lakers contend for titles for the next 3-4 years.

Ray Allen's comments at the ESPY's in 08 was disrespectful and stupid. Now ask him how Fishers' ass taste? You win 1 title and that will be your last you punk bi*ch.

Paul Pierce's comment about not coming back to LA was another stupid A$$ comment. Not only did we come back but he choked!!! This guy is so overrated. Last yrs tweet during the finals was another dumb comment. This guy grew up a Laker fan and deep down inside he still is.....he's just paid to wear green. hahah I'm glad he was never a Laker because I wouldn't want a punk bi#ch on this team.

Kevin Garnett is the biggest trash talking muther fuker there is. He only talks $hit to little point guards and never someone his size. He can pound his chest all he wants, but he's past his prime and will always remember how Gasol outplayed him. Gasol is the most skilled big man in the league!

This post was 2 yrs in the making. I hope you guys feel the pain we felt 2 yrs ago, only to know that your pain will last a whole lot longer then ours. MuahHAhaHAhaHAhaAHAh

P.S. Feel free to comment on this post. I will gladly BASH on your team OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER AGAIN.....

[Celtics17]

It keeps getting better. You really are quite the thinker.