Garnett in Green

It was fun for about 15 years, wondering when the Boston Celtics were going to come out of their tailspin. They tried everything, from grossly overpaying Rick Pitino to grossly overfeeding Vin Baker, and yet they couldn’t put together a team with more than a few players – okay, only Paul Pierce – worthy of combing Larry Bird’s crustache. About the only effect Boston had on the playoffs this decade was sending Gary Payton and Antoine Walker to the Miami Heat, completing a bizarre jigsaw puzzle that led to the Heat’s 2006 title. Otherwise, bupkis.

Now, somehow, with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett on the roster, the Celts are one of the three best teams in the league. This is terrible for other Eastern Conference contenders, but great for at-large fans who saw too little of Garnett during his first 12 years in the league. A spindly dunk machine with a skull straight out of Alien, Garnett was assembled on God’s workbench for the express purpose of hooping. At age 29, he’s at the peak of his powers, playing unselfish team basketball, and will be a treat to see collide against Shaq. See a rejuvenated KG and Celtics at the American Airlines Arena tonight at 8. Tickets are as cheap as $10.
Fri., Nov. 30, 2007