Garnett's defensive impact against the Spurs.

[drza44]

Let me start off by saying that Rondo and Pierce were both outstanding against the Spurs.  This isn't a post meant to start a "who was better???" argument.  But I just wanted to take a minute to quantify Garnett's defensive impact tonight. We all know KG is great on defense, but I think sometimes it's easy to just say "KG was his usual self on D" without really recognizing what that means, while things like Pierce's early scoring binge or Rondo's 14 assists/0 turnovers really stand out.

KG picked up 2 quick fouls in the first couple of minutes of the first quarter, and sat for almost 10 minutes. And the Spurs offense went nuts, scoring 33 points in the first quarter on 50% shooting from the field. In the second quarter the Spurs had already scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes and some change before KG came into the game. In the final 9:17 of the 2nd quarter? The Spurs scored 11 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field (29%).

All told, in the 12 minutes KG sat in the first half the Spurs scored 32 points on 45% shooting with 6 assists and 0 turnovers. In the 12 minutes that KG played the Spurs scored 17 points on 32% shooting with 4 assists and 5 turnovers. The Celtics play team defense, but it starts and ends with KG. And tonight, folks, was individual defensive domination.

People will remember the shots made and the individual stats that the big guns were putting up. But KG's biggest contribution tonight doesn't even show up in the box score, unless you just look at what he stopped the opponent from doing.

[greenpride32]

Spurs lost touch of this game because they took too many threes and couldn't make them; 8-29 for the game.  KG's individual defense didn't really stand out in this game.  In fact the Spurs were killing us in the paint (where KG romes on D); it was their outside shooting that cost them the game. 

[raynman]

Spurs lost touch of this game because they took too many threes and couldn't make them; 8-29 for the game.  KG's individual defense didn't really stand out in this game.  In fact the Spurs were killing us in the paint (where KG romes on D); it was their outside shooting that cost them the game. 

KG's not a dominant inside force on defense , but he's the 'director' and the Celtics just play better defensively when he's on the floor.. He communicates and facilitates the defensive schemes and disrupts the passing lanes because of his length.. He might have lost a little bit of his shotblocking because of the knee, but he still is effective in challenging shots.. Although I not loving the 'settling for jumpshots and fadeaways instead of takin it hard to the hole', KG's value to this team at this point in his career is the Defensive leader.
Bottom line is, KG's the most important Celtics player on Defense, as Rondo is the team's most important player on Offense. When those two lock in and perform their respective roles efficiently, the rest follow which means an automatic W. Otherwise, well, you've seen how we've been doing in the last 13 games..

[GreenFaith1819]

Let me start off by saying that Rondo and Pierce were both outstanding against the Spurs.  This isn't a post meant to start a "who was better???" argument.  But I just wanted to take a minute to quantify Garnett's defensive impact tonight. We all know KG is great on defense, but I think sometimes it's easy to just say "KG was his usual self on D" without really recognizing what that means, while things like Pierce's early scoring binge or Rondo's 14 assists/0 turnovers really stand out.

KG picked up 2 quick fouls in the first couple of minutes of the first quarter, and sat for almost 10 minutes. And the Spurs offense went nuts, scoring 33 points in the first quarter on 50% shooting from the field. In the second quarter the Spurs had already scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes and some change before KG came into the game. In the final 9:17 of the 2nd quarter? The Spurs scored 11 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field (29%).

All told, in the 12 minutes KG sat in the first half the Spurs scored 32 points on 45% shooting with 6 assists and 0 turnovers. In the 12 minutes that KG played the Spurs scored 17 points on 32% shooting with 4 assists and 5 turnovers. The Celtics play team defense, but it starts and ends with KG. And tonight, folks, was individual defensive domination.

People will remember the shots made and the individual stats that the big guns were putting up. But KG's biggest contribution tonight doesn't even show up in the box score, unless you just look at what he stopped the opponent from doing.

Agreed.

That's why THIS Kevin is so crucial against LA in June. An active KG will limit Gasol's production, which is key to LA's success.

[Who]

Yeah, Garnett was fantastic. Completely changed the game for Tony Parker and his dribble penetration.

Huge reduction in the proportion of quality shots San Antonio were able to generate while Garnett was on the floor vs off the court.

And as great as Garnett was, the BBD + Krstic and Green + BBD combinations were just as miserable. Pathetic combinations (defensively).

[BballTim]

And as great as Garnett was, the BBD + Krstic and Green + BBD combinations were just as miserable. Pathetic combinations (defensively).

  This is worth noting. KG's great on defense but his replacements are below average.

[winsomme]

Yeah, Garnett was fantastic. Completely changed the game for Tony Parker and his dribble penetration.

Huge reduction in the proportion of quality shots San Antonio were able to generate while Garnett was on the floor vs off the court.

And as great as Garnett was, the BBD + Krstic and Green + BBD combinations were just as miserable. Pathetic combinations (defensively).

When we have non-big 4s playing their roles, it's a game changer.

Now we just need to move BBD into his backup PF role and that will happen if Shaq comes back....

[Assassin70]

Yeah, Garnett was fantastic. Completely changed the game for Tony Parker and his dribble penetration.

Huge reduction in the proportion of quality shots San Antonio were able to generate while Garnett was on the floor vs off the court.

And as great as Garnett was, the BBD + Krstic and Green + BBD combinations were just as miserable. Pathetic combinations (defensively).

When we have non-big 4s playing their roles, it's a game changer.

Now we just need to move BBD into his backup PF role and that will happen if Shaq comes back....

Not with Nenad hurt now.  Puts a damper on that plan

[BudweiserCeltic]

Let me start off by saying that Rondo and Pierce were both outstanding against the Spurs.  This isn't a post meant to start a "who was better???" argument.  But I just wanted to take a minute to quantify Garnett's defensive impact tonight. We all know KG is great on defense, but I think sometimes it's easy to just say "KG was his usual self on D" without really recognizing what that means, while things like Pierce's early scoring binge or Rondo's 14 assists/0 turnovers really stand out.

KG picked up 2 quick fouls in the first couple of minutes of the first quarter, and sat for almost 10 minutes. And the Spurs offense went nuts, scoring 33 points in the first quarter on 50% shooting from the field. In the second quarter the Spurs had already scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes and some change before KG came into the game. In the final 9:17 of the 2nd quarter? The Spurs scored 11 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field (29%).

All told, in the 12 minutes KG sat in the first half the Spurs scored 32 points on 45% shooting with 6 assists and 0 turnovers. In the 12 minutes that KG played the Spurs scored 17 points on 32% shooting with 4 assists and 5 turnovers. The Celtics play team defense, but it starts and ends with KG. And tonight, folks, was individual defensive domination.

People will remember the shots made and the individual stats that the big guns were putting up. But KG's biggest contribution tonight doesn't even show up in the box score, unless you just look at what he stopped the opponent from doing.

I didn't manage to watch the game last night, so I hope that KG's defense was great as you're alluding. He's been subpar as of late defensively in many regards.

[gar]

Let me start off by saying that Rondo and Pierce were both outstanding against the Spurs.  This isn't a post meant to start a "who was better???" argument.  But I just wanted to take a minute to quantify Garnett's defensive impact tonight. We all know KG is great on defense, but I think sometimes it's easy to just say "KG was his usual self on D" without really recognizing what that means, while things like Pierce's early scoring binge or Rondo's 14 assists/0 turnovers really stand out.

KG picked up 2 quick fouls in the first couple of minutes of the first quarter, and sat for almost 10 minutes. And the Spurs offense went nuts, scoring 33 points in the first quarter on 50% shooting from the field. In the second quarter the Spurs had already scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes and some change before KG came into the game. In the final 9:17 of the 2nd quarter? The Spurs scored 11 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field (29%).

All told, in the 12 minutes KG sat in the first half the Spurs scored 32 points on 45% shooting with 6 assists and 0 turnovers. In the 12 minutes that KG played the Spurs scored 17 points on 32% shooting with 4 assists and 5 turnovers. The Celtics play team defense, but it starts and ends with KG. And tonight, folks, was individual defensive domination.

People will remember the shots made and the individual stats that the big guns were putting up. But KG's biggest contribution tonight doesn't even show up in the box score, unless you just look at what he stopped the opponent from doing.

TP for OP

[Mr October]

TP to the OP for pointed out stats that backed up what i saw on the court.

KG may not be what he once was, but the man still changes the game.

[mgent]

Yeah, Garnett was fantastic. Completely changed the game for Tony Parker and his dribble penetration.

Huge reduction in the proportion of quality shots San Antonio were able to generate while Garnett was on the floor vs off the court.

And as great as Garnett was, the BBD + Krstic and Green + BBD combinations were just as miserable. Pathetic combinations (defensively).

When we have non-big 4s playing their roles, it's a game changer.

Now we just need to move BBD into his backup PF role and that will happen if Shaq comes back....

Not with Nenad hurt now.  Puts a damper on that plan

The playoff rotation was going to narrow down to Shaq/JO, KG/Baby anyway.

[mmbaby]

Garnett doesn't get enough attention because he's always been so good and we just expect it. I'm giving this post a TP for bringing up KG's defensive presence, which there are no stats to represent. The players on his team know it and the fans know it. He is a legend - our very own.

[Finkelskyhook]

As much as I can't stand some of Garnett's antics....When people argue who the MVP is...I'll maintain it's Garnett.  Without him, we're a second round and out team.  With him at 100%, we're champions.

[LilRip]

TP! love seeing KG get some love on this board. he just makes a team better