NBA Playoffs 2011: Love Kevin Garnett or Hate Him, He's Getting the Job Done

With less than 21 seconds left in Game 1 of the Celtics-Knicks matchup, the ball is in Paul Pierce's hand. Ray Allen sets a pick to act as a decoy, only to roll off to the left wing around a Kevin Garnett pick to catch and shoot for the game-winning dagger.

Kudos to Pierce's decision-making abilities, kudos to Allen's clutch abilities and kudos to Doc for drawing up yet another sealing play.

But that's just what the average eye sees.

Ronny Turiaf does a good job closing in on Allen, but Toney Douglas falls after hitting a good screen from Garnett, allowing Shuttlesworth enough time and space for a clean look.

Did I say good screen?

Take a closer look and you'll notice that Garnett extend his right foot just enough for Douglas to trip and allow Allen enough comfort to know he won't be blocked from the right side.

The label "dirty" has been flung around by angered fans and writers alike on a handful of the world's greatest athletes who have been done a tragic disservice. But it's time to take the word "dirty" and realize its synonymous potential for being "crafty."

The "dirty" label has stuck on a number of players throughout their careers, including Dennis Rodman and Bruce Bowen (who both played large and important minutes to total seven rings between the two). Yet these are the very same players who are, by and large, heralded by fellow players around the league for their craftiness and for having some of the highest basketball IQs in the game.

Likewise, Garnett's "foot pick" was no act of erratic desperation. If it was any earlier, Douglas would have probably run around to contest Allen, and if any later, Garnett would have had his foot in an awkward angle, making it an obvious foul.

This is the craft of basketball in full display.

The whistles may be omnipotent, but they were never omniscient. Knowing this, Garnett's exploits proved to have mattered and worked yet again.

Dirty or crafty, we'll take the win.