(video courtesy of WEEI's Mike Petraglia)
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“Doc has different ways of motivating me,” Garnett said. “He pulled me to the side, he wasn’t really happy with Bargnani situation up there and I wasn’t really pleased with that, either. And tonight was more of a concentrated effort to just make sure I kept him under control. It doesn’t take much to motivate me.”
Rivers was far more subtle in his post-game comments but hinted that he saw the KG everyone expected on Friday night.
“Kevin’s energy tonight was off the charts, and you knew it would be, if you know Kevin,” Rivers said. “Because the last time we played them, the guy in his position had a pretty good game, and that’s just Kevin Garnett.”
WEEI: Garnett gets his revenge on Bargnani
Kevin Garnett didn't forget last week's tough loss in Toronto. And he definitely didn't forget Andrea Bargnani's 29 points either. As Kevin puts it in WEEI's Mike Petraglia's video, Doc "pulled him to the side" before the game to remind him that Bargnani had really put it on him that afternoon.
Garnett also said that he didn't sleep much on Thursday night. And it was very obvious from the opening-tip this evening that the Big Ticket was absolutely jacked for a chance to even the score.
Everyone has been talking this season about just how athletic and full of energy Garnett has been. He looks easily in the best shape I've seen him in since the championship season (his first in Boston) of 2007-08. Now 18 months removed from surgery to remove large bone spurs from his right knee, KG is moving with no hesitation. He has spring in his step, fire in his eye and this season will not be successful to him unless he wins another title.
Danny Ainge brought in just the guy to help KG get that 2nd title. Shaq. The Big Shamrock has been to the big stage and won there 4 times. He knows that Ticket, The Truth & SugarRay all want to hang at least 1 more banner from those rafters on their watch. And Shaq is crystal clear on this.
Just listen to what Shaq told the media is his "18-2-5" theory after last night's game. He wants another ring for himself, an O'Brien trophy for Doc and his teammates, and a new banner for the city of Boston.
KG's excellent play has been a huge boost early on in the 2010-11 quest for Banner 18. If he has it his way, he'll single-handedly will the Boston Celtics to another NBA title.
Related links: Herald: Garnett responds to Bargnani challenge | Globe: Redeeming quality | CSNNE: Garnett takes lack of respect personally
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Shaq's fitting in | WEEI: Rondo's a little rusty, but C's will take it | Herald: Celtics have answer for Raptors | Rondo a welcome return | Globe: Shaq has his motives | Rondo feeds into it | CSNNE: Doc applauds starters' performance | Allen works inside out game | MWDN: Doc's orders clear Rondo
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