Over at SB Nation’s Celtics Blog, Jeff Clark checks in with an interesting theory as to Kevin Garnett, and why he struggled last night against the Lakers:
Celtics Blog: What Happened To Kevin Garnett In Game 1?
As much as I love having him on my team, Garnett is a bit of a bully. Sure, he's got tremendous skill and he outworks most players in the league, but when push comes to shove, he's usually the one shoving and yapping. It drives him and intimidates opponents. See Gasol in 2008.
Now, what happens when you punch a bully in the mouth? If after-school specials and Disney movies have taught us anything, it is that bullies tend to recoil and stand there in a daze, unable to believe what just happened. Well, Gasol threw the first punch last night. He took the ball to the hoop and when it didn't go in the first time he didn't give up on the play the way a Dwight Howard or Antawn Jamison might have in the previous couple rounds. He kept right after the ball and put it back in on the second effort. As painful as it is to say, the effort was McHale-like in quality.
So I guess my theory is that Garnett was just a little dazed and confused to see "Soft" Gasol beating him to the loose balls and out-working him on the boards. Of course that doesn't explain the lack of lift and inability to hit point blank bunny baskets, but I'm much less concerned about Garnett's offense than I am about his defense and rebounding.
And it’s certainly possible. Or, perhaps, he’s more injured than anyone realizes. In any case, here’s what we know for sure: KG looked pretty terrible last night, and if his struggles continue, this series won’t be nearly as exciting as everyone hoped.
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