Kevin Garnett Playoff Return
KG Comeback Possible – Delays Surgery
Last Thursday morning, Celtics coach Doc Rivers gave the grim news that Kevin Garnett was done for the playoffs because of a right knee strain. An NBA source said Garnett has decided to hold off on bone spur surgery to gauge if he can make a last-ditch effort at playing in the playoffs.
Garnett Playoff Return
But judging by the way Garnett limped yesterday, it does not look like he will be return to the playoffs soon or at least during the Eastern Conference portion. Garnett's teammates have become comfortable with the notion that they are more likely to see him in a suit during games than wearing number five.
Still, the Celtics can gain something from Garnett’s injury and his departure from the floor. That is, trust in themselves that they are good enough to get the job done without their big man. This could be invaluable in season's to come if he ever sustains another long-term injury.
On Thursday, Rivers stated, “I flipped completely because I was watching him move, and he looked great,” Rivers said. “And then after today, there’s just no way.”
KG Comeback
Garnett has played just four games since injuring the right knee on Feb. 19 at Utah. He has been working with head trainer Ed Lacerte trying to prepare the knee for the rigors of the playoffs.
Asked if ruling Garnett out for the first round means the star forward is likely done for the entire playoffs, Rivers didn’t hesitate.
"I think it is,” Rivers added. “I don’t know that as a fact yet. Eddie is doing everything he can to get him on the court, and Kevin is going beyond that."
Garnett Delays Surgery
A Garnett last-ditch return may provide a spark for Boston, but the team is growing comfortable in the players they have. Ray Allen bounced back in Game 2 and knocked down 30 points with 28 coming in the second half. He drained the clinching shot with little over 2 seconds remaining in the game in the Celtics 118-115 thriller.
Pre-Garnett and Allen, the Celtics were a one-and-done playoff team. With all three, they are an NBA championship caliber team. With Pierce and Allen, they may be Eastern Conference final worthy. A very unhealthy KG is not going to propel them over the top.
KG Injury Update
"At this point, after going through all the rehab and looking so good last week, and he was running last week and it looked like he was running pretty well, to where he’s at today, if he can’t get through biking and working out without swelling and stiffness and his leg locking, I just don’t know how you can play in the playoffs.”
The Celtics continue their defense of the NBA title Thursday at 8:00 p.m. against the No. 7 seed Chicago Bulls in Chicago. The series is tied 1-1.
Kevin Garnett Playoff Return
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