Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett: Being called dirtiest player served as motivation – NBA Update
When the Boston Celtics went out to wrap up the series against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6, it was not just about advancing into the second round, well at least for Kevin Garnett. After being called the dirtiest player in the NBA by Hawks co-owner Michael
Gearon Jr, Garnett came out strongly in the next game helping his team book a place in the second round.
Then, in his post match interview, KG referred to the comments, saying they served as extra motivation for him in the game.
“First off, I want to say thank you to their owner for giving me some extra gas tonight,” Garnett said. “My only advice to him is next time he opens his mouth actually know what he’s talking about — Xs and Os versus his check book and the bottom line.”
Garnett played extremely well on the night for 28 points to go along with 14 rebounds and had 5 blocks in the game. He was also able to knock down the final nail in the coffin by getting the winning points, making the score 83-80 in C`s favour.
The Celtic big man is into the late stages of his career, 36 years old, and putting in performances like that is no easy task. However throughout his career, he has been known for his uplifting and motivating attitude and if somebody comes out to call him
out like that, he will respond strongly.
The performance in Game 6 by the entire Celtics team may serve as a warning to all the other organizations who think of them as being old and if they are hoping for an easy run, they`re in for a surprise.
Garnett then went onto contemplate on the approach he and his team mates have before every game which is to stay aggressive and if anybody is mistaking being aggressive with playing dirty then they are entirely wrong.
This Boston side is known for their exploits with their never dying attitude and an excellent latter half of the season is mere proof of that fact. Advancing into the second round is no easy task, portraying their mental state that they take their craft
very seriously.
Garnett further went on to contemplate about his style of play and the level of commitment he has for the game of basketball and even though he is well aware of the criticism, he does not let it faze him at all.
“I take this very seriously, so you guys calling me old, that number defies. You have no idea what you are doing when you say those ‘old’ comments. I appreciate that. I don’t read your columns, but it gets back to me.”
Celtics face off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, scheduled to start at the TD Garden on Saturday and with the level of intensity Garnett and company are bringing, the Sixers will need to be worried.
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