Below Radar: Garnett's D on Rashard Lewis

[footey]

I don't know if others brought this up here, but to me the big difference today was KG's ability to completely take Rashard Lewis out of his game. Lewis had almost no open 3's, and he was not able to make a move to the hoop the entire game. He absolutely destroyed us last season in the play-offs, as well as this regular season.  The team defense was great, but KG's excellent job on Rashard should not be overlooked. It was not mentioned once on the TV  broadcast, so thought I would single it out.  Great first game. 

[PosImpos]

Yeah, that's definitely true.  KG wasn't able to get open much to score, either, so obviously Rashard did a good job as well.  But if that matchup is a wash I think it plays in our favor as long as our wings are scoring since they rely more on Rashard for scoring than we do on KG.

[CoachBo]

It's an excellent point. I thought KG completely undressed Lewis on the defensive end.

We need to get KG more involved in the offensive sets, which should happen if Rondo goes back to attacking with the basketball in game 2. Thought Rondo was WAY too passive today.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Na', KG's inability to score had more to do with Howard's help defense, and clearly he wasn't on tonight. He missed quite a few open and comfortable jumpers and an easy shot at the end with a great pass from Rondo.

So KG's struggles tonight were more of him being off and Howard's presence.

[BudweiserCeltic]

It's an excellent point. I thought KG completely undressed Lewis on the defensive end.

We need to get KG more involved in the offensive sets, which should happen if Rondo goes back to attacking with the basketball in game 2. Thought Rondo was WAY too passive today.

We should pass KG more on the post, where it would be difficult and costly for Howard to help so he can operate one on one and pass if the double comes. Throwing him the ball near the basket won't get it done with Howard around.

[misha]

Yes, KG did a good job on him, but SVG overplayed Lewis. 42 minutes on such a bad night were too much.

[snively]

It's an excellent point. I thought KG completely undressed Lewis on the defensive end.

We need to get KG more involved in the offensive sets, which should happen if Rondo goes back to attacking with the basketball in game 2. Thought Rondo was WAY too passive today.

Ray and Pierce had it going.  Feeding the pig has always been this team's philosophy.

[MiamiCelticfan]

Lewis has to be contained especially on those corner 3's. Until Howard can prove he can consistently beat us on the low post were going to stay on those shooters. Great job by KG!!

[Rida]

It's an excellent point. I thought KG completely undressed Lewis on the defensive end.

We need to get KG more involved in the offensive sets, which should happen if Rondo goes back to attacking with the basketball in game 2. Thought Rondo was WAY too passive today.

I thought so too, great things happen when Ray Allen is our top scorer but, Rondo was far too passive, he got destroyed going to basket a couple of times for no calls then he stopped attacking.

On the plus side we won without rondo and Kg doing much offensively, on the down side I thought we played championship level D but they also missed a lot of shots that they would normally make.

Gonna be a great game 2

[Prof. Clutch]

Very good point.  KG was fantastic.  The whole team has been very good during these playoffs.

Celtics as a team so far these playoffs are holding teams to an average of 84.25 points per game on 43.95% fg shooting.

During the regular season the Celtics allowed an average of 95.6 points per game on .451 fg%

[snively]

KG's vulnerable to Lewis' dribble drive, but he still does an excellent job closing out shooters and recovering on pick and pops.  I don't think the Magic are going to re-orient their offense to accommodate Lewis isos, so I think KG should be fine.

Now if only he can finish some open looks. 

[papa shuttlesworth]

While it is only the first game of the series, this is the third PF in a row that has gone through a "slump" while playing the Celtics.  KG is pretty lucky.