76ers vs. Celtics: Kevin Garnett and the Most Important Players for Game 2

The Boston Celtics escaped Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, but if that contest was any indication, we can expect plenty of intrigue in the coming week. 

I was one of the worst offenders when it came to trashing this series for how boring I expected it to be. But after Saturday's finish, you can color me wrong. 

We can only hope the defensive battles continue to provide exciting matchups. With that being said, here's a look at who each team needs to step up in order to keep things close tonight. 

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

A big reason Philadelphia was able to take two out of three against Boston during the regular season was rebounding.

During those games, the Sixers grabbed 56.5 percent of the rebounds, and in the losses, KG pulled down just 6.5 'boards per game.

However, now that the Big Ticket is playing like the Minnesota version of the Big Ticket, Boston is a different beast on the glass. In Game 1, the Celtics got 52.3 percent of the rebounds, and Garnett snatched 11, keeping the Sixers off the glass.

If Garnett, who is averaging 20.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game in the playoffs, continues to play at this high of a level, Boston is going to be extremely hard to beat. 

Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers

In defensive battles, it is always important to find offense from the bench, and Lou Williams is one of the best sixth men in the league.

Williams, who led Philly in scoring with 14.9 points per game during the regular season, has taken a dramatic step back during the playoffs. He's shooting an atrocious 37 percent from the field and 17 percent from long range.

In Game 1, Sweet Lou picked up just nine points on 11 shot attempts. He was 1-of-4 from three-point range. 

Williams needs to find a way to be more efficient on offense and thus take pressure off of Jrue Holiday, who was also painfully inefficient on Saturday. 

Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics

Bradley is quietly establishing himself as one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA, and he is going to continue to make life miserable for Holiday and Williams.

Holiday, in particular, has been fantastic during these playoffs. but Bradley and Boston's defense forced him into 3-of-13 shooting and just four assists on Saturday. Williams, in case you were wondering, had zero assists and three turnovers.

If Bradley can continue to play suffocating defense, Philadelphia, a team that already struggles on offense, is going to be in a world of hurt. 

Spencer Hawes, Philadelphia 76ers

When the big man has been healthy this season, he has been surprisingly effective.

Not only does the seven-footer possess a smooth offensive game, highlighted by a nice mid-range jumper, he is also a very good passer out of the high post area. Most importantly, he has the type of game that can take Kevin Garnett away from the basket and open up the offense for Philly.

Oddly enough, he has a Kevin Garnett-type game.

I never though I would be saying this, but Philadelphia would be smart to run the ball through Hawes tonight. 

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