Celtics-Magic, Game One: Celtics Rely on Veteran Leadership
When asked about LeBron's free agency situation, Boston Celtic forward Kevin Garnett stated that “If [he] knew then what [he] know[s] now” he would have left the Minnesota Timberwolves much sooner.
Garnett understands that wisdom combines knowledge with life experiences. He suffered through nine grueling years with the Timberwolves. Every time KG plays the game, you can see those nine years in oblivion, fueling his drive to win.
You see it in the eyes of Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Both, like KG, played with teams that failed to truly contend year-in and year-out.
Pierce fought back from the tragic stabbing incident. Many wondered not just about his career, but also about his long-term health.
Allen had been traded among mediocre teams. One of the game's best shooters, and all-around players, went unnoticed for the most part by small market teams. Allen never complained—he just played his game.
Sunday afternoon in Orlando, the Celtics veteran leaders proved to be the difference.
Both teams came out visibly tentative. Both offenses sputtered, while the Orlando Magic and Boston tried to stay in the game with defense.
Allen and Pierce just played their games.
Allen found points driving to the basket. He took advantage of an injured Matt Barnes early on, adding a jumper or two to keep his defender honest. Allen scored a game-high 25 points.
Pierce hit big shots, including two key three-pointers, to fend off the late surging Magic. He finished with 22 points.
Together they combined for a total of 16 rebounds. KG played a quiet game, but still contributed 11 rebounds and five assists.
KG also brought the intensity. Early on, the Magic couldn't match it.
The Celtics rely on the Big Three, but the Big Ticket stands as the team leader for the Boston Celtics. Garnett constantly coaches his teammates while on the bench, and pushes them to perform while on the floor.
Those things separate winners and losers in four-point games.
That understanding of the game comes from years of playing experience. It develops from being there, seeing it from the losing side, and learning it from winners. No player, no matter how good, can be a veteran until it's time.
Veteran wisdom realizes that if you want to win a championship there's no short-cut.
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