Sixers vs. Celtics: Kevin Garnett Is Key for Boston to Advance to East Finals

The outcome of Saturday night's Game 7 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers (8:00 p.m. ET, ABC) will depend entirely upon the quality of Kevin Garnett's time spent on the court. 

The Eastern Conference semifinal series has gone back and forth, with each team taking three games. However, the play of Garnett in each of the series' first six games is telling. When KG shoots better than 47 percent from the floor and turns the ball over less than three times, the Celtics are 3-0 against Philly. But when Garnett shoots poorly and turns the ball over, Boston is helpless.

Sure, it sounds obvious, and it is. But it is a point worth understanding, and one that will help you make sense of what will unfold at the TD Garden on Saturday night. 

Garnett averaged 25.3 points per game in the Celtics' wins over the Sixers while putting up a combined 44 points in the three losses to Philadelphia. In the wins, Garnett has just five turnovers combined compared to 14 total in the three losses.

Garnett shot 59.2 percent from the field on average in Boston's three wins in the series compared to just 42.8 percent shooting in the three Celtics' losses. 

The key for Philly is to shut down Garnett. If they can force Garnett to cough up the ball a few times and settle for 22-foot jumpers just outside his comfortable range, then the Sixers will be headed to the Eastern Conference finals.

On the flip side, if Boston can get the Big Ticket going early at home, they will be poised to return to the Eastern Conference finals for the third time in five seasons. If Garnett scores at least 20 points on no more than 19 shots on Saturday night, Boston will advance.

It's that simple for the Celtics. Garnett will play big minutes, most likely somewhere in the range of 38-42 depending on if Boston builds a lead and how comfortable it is. Garnett's defense is also an underrated key for the Celtics. KG won't make the highlight reel with incredible blocked shots or lightning-quick steals, but he'll do just enough. 

The Sixers are at their best when they are driving the lane and putting pressure on the Celtics' stifling half-court defense. When KG is at his best defensively, the Sixers settle for jump shots. We've seen it unfold late in Game 1, and in Games 3 and 5. 

If the pattern continues, then the Boston Celtics will be celebrating after Game 7 Saturday night. 

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