Timberwolves vs. Celtics: How Do You Like Your Kevin?

The Boston Celtics roll into Minneapolis this evening for a showdown between Minnesota's two favorite Kevins. I realize there's a guy named McHale in there somewhere, but for Minnesota fans, he is still exiled. 

Kevin Garnett spent the best years of his career in a Timberwolves uniform. Between 1999 and 2004, KG was Minnesota's biggest sports icon. I still get goosebumps when I think about that game seven in Sacramento when KG's two late threes nailed a victory in a most improbable win. 

Now Wolves fans have another Kevin to enjoy. Kevin Love is only 23 years-old and already shows more promise than KG ever did. I am left wondering which Kevin was/is better?

The answer is simple.

Kevin Love.

Kevin Garnett Shied Away from the Big Shot

The biggest knock on KG when he was in Minnesota was that he shied away in big moments. Maybe that's why I remember that game seven in Sacramento so well, because it was a rarity.

Garnett's ability is not, nor should it ever be in question. As far as sheer talent goes, few players have ever come close to KG. He revolutionized the power forward position.

But the fact is KG passed up big shots. He would score all game long, but when the fourth quarter came around, KG shut down.

Whatever the reason, KG never shined when it really mattered. In the NBA, you need your superstar to be a factor in the clutch. You need him to want the ball in his hands.

KG did not want the ball.  

Kevin Love Always Steps Up When It Matter Most

Kevin Love has taken tremendous strides this year offensively. This month alone he is averaging over 31 points per game, including 51 against Oklahoma City.

Love knows the playoffs are slipping away, and you can attribute that sense of urgency to his spike in scoring.

Love scores when it matters. Love wants that shot. He lives for that shot. The great ones always do.

If the Wolves hadn't lost Ricky Rubio to injury, and had a few more wins, Love would be getting serious MVP consideration.

He may anyway.

Defense Doesnt Always Win

When you compare Love and KG through their first four seasons, Love is the better player. He has better offensive stats and is a better rebounder, as tough as that might be to believe, it's true. 

Stats still have their shortcomings, one of which is defensive ability. KG was an outstanding defender. His freakishly long arms and jumping ability made him a constant threat. KG has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, and is an 8-time All-Defensive 1st Team player. 

Love is a solid defender, but he complains after just about every call. Love needs to take a page from KG's book on defense, because that is the one part of their games where KG is head and shoulders better.

All that said, Minnesota still got to the conference finals just once during Garnett's tenure. Maybe if he had scored a bit more late, when it mattered, the Wolves would be looking back on some better playoff records.   

Kevins in the Community

One thing that does matter a lot is how an athlete is viewed in the community. Kevin Love literally loves the Twin Cities. He was born and raised on the West coast, but embodies the true spirit of 'Minnesota Nice'. 

Kevin Love, on the other hand, loves being out in the community. Earlier this season he bought every person who bought a ticket to a specific game a second ticket for the next home game. Just to say thanks. Just to show people that he cares about their presence. He appreciates every dollar every Wolves fan plunks down to get a seat to watch him play the game he loves.

Who Was/is Better for the Wolves?

After taking everything into account, I think Kevin Love is/was the better player for Minnesota.

Obviously we have KG's entire career to look at and just a few years of Love's to compare. That said, I will take Love every time.

When Jordan used to take shots with the game on the line, you were surprised if it didn't go down. There is a similar feeling with Love.

If KG had stepped up offensively late in playoff games, maybe Minnesota's past would be different. We can't change the past, but we have some control of our future, and it certainly is looking bright for Timberwolves fans.