Foul trouble limited Boston Celtics big man Kevin Garnett to just 24 minutes of playing time in the team's 87-71 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, something head coach Doc Rivers wasn't too happy with following the game.
NBA playoffs 2013: Doc Rivers calls Game 2 fouls on Kevin Garnett ‘horrendous’
Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn’t too happy with the officiating during Tuesday night’s loss in New York.
Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Discussing how the referees called Game 2 at the post-game media conference, Rivers described the fouls called on Garnett as “horrendous.”
Referees called five fouls on Garnett, including two early fouls that quickly sent the All-Star to the bench minutes into the game. His return in the second quarter hastened a run that put the Celtics ahead, but the Knicks eventually battled back to pull away.
After drawing his fifth foul with over six minutes remaining in the game and New York ahead 82-69, Rivers opted to keep Garnett on the bench for the rest of the game as the Knicks eased to victory.
KG still finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks despite his lack of playing time, but the Celtics clearly struggled in his absence.
Even though the Knicks frequently roll-out small lineups, playing without Garnett meant sliding Brandon Bass to center or bringing in reserves such as Chris Wilcox and Shavlik Randolph. Understandably, Rivers wasn't too excited about those prospects.
Though it’s unclear how the league will react to Rivers’ comments, USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt said afterwards that the coach was, “itching for a fine.”
Quotes via NBA.com’s live postgame press conference stream.
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