NBA Playoffs 2011: Boston's Big Ticket Won't Guarantee Celtics Further Admission

Haggard and worn, the Boston Celtics' Big Ticket won't guarantee the team's anticipated entry into the next round of the NBA playoffs.

During last night's 98-90 overtime loss in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics' Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, had been figuratively punched—squarely in the chops—by a younger, faster, hungrier and more athletically gifted Miami Heat team.

The normally ebullient KG looked all of a 15-year NBA veteran. After logging 40+ minutes of intense playoff action, the Big Ticket's increased mileage and depleted gas tank were readily apparent.

Garnett's tired legs contributed to his woeful 1-10 shooting and prevented the 11 time NBA All-Defensive Team forward from slowing the Heat's Chris Bosh's 20 point, 12 rebound performance and his uncontested tip-in in overtime that sealed the Celtics' fate.

The fatigued future Hall of Famer appeared frazzled as he failed to set a key high screen for teammate Paul Pierce in the waning seconds of regulation. In addition, the incessant trash talking Garnett trudged through Game 4's overtime period, never wreaking his predictable havoc on the defensive end, nor badgering Heat players with his habitual bothersome obscenities.  

It's doubtful that the Celts will return to Boston later this week. The Heat is certain to close out this series at home in Miami on Wednesday night. What's more evident is that, in spite of his stellar career, the aging Big Ticket's on court value can no longer support his over $20 million per year salary.

Celtics travel planners need not worry about returning Garnett from Miami too quickly. Allow him to extend his time on South Beach and watch the Heat battle the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Because the Celtics' Big Ticket has already been punched.

Straight talk. No static.

MIKE—thee ultimate talking head on sports!

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