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Post by moreese on Jan 2, 2008 16:16:26 GMT -5
Before this season even started, two things were clear. This was still Paul Pierce's team, but Kevin Garnett would be our most valuable player, and if things went well enough (which they are) probably the MVP of the league. So far both statements have remained true thoughout the nation. Pierce is our go to guy, when the offense is dulling or a key shot is needed. Yet most feel Garnett is our most valuable player, and the main reason for our sucess.
I would have completely agree'd that so far Garnett deserves MVP status, not only on our team, but throughout the league. This was until the West Coast trip, where we saw Paul Pierce literally win 3 of the 4 games almost single handedly. It started with his 37 point domination of Seattle, continued with his amazing 24 point second half effort against Utah (along with the eventual game winner), and culminated beautifully against the Lakers when he dropped 33 in front of his hometown (and Kobe) including a monster 10-0 run by himself in the 3rd quarter that clinched the game.
I would never argue that there are very few players that have ever played this game, never mind in the NBA today that do more than Kevin Garnett on the basketball floor. However, Pierce is showing very similar signs this year, with his inspired defense, and great offensive ability (doing it passing, not just scoring now) that he too could make a run at the MVP honors, not only for the Celtics, but maybe the entire league. He is clearly our go to guy down the stretch, and has that amazing ability that few possess in the NBA today to completely take over a game offensively. He showed it on this most recent trip, and if he continues, I think he will end up being MVP, not Garnett!
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cfoo
Welcome To Celtics Green!
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Post by cfoo on Jan 2, 2008 21:58:03 GMT -5
I agree pretty much. I think Garnett deserves it though too and should get it. Either guy could get it. Pierce deserves just as much recognition as mvp of the league as garnett does. They are two of the best players around and deservedly so. It's a tough call. Apples and Oranges? It's too bad these guys didn't get recognition until now, and played together their entire careers, because if they did each guy would have mvp trophies by now. If I had to choose I would say Garnett deserves, but my heart is with Pierce.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jan 3, 2008 4:35:18 GMT -5
I think Garnett is our MVP. Even though Pierce has had more heroics as of late, for the most part, KG has done more to deserve this honor. And I think around the league, this team is starting to become Garnett's (if its not already).
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Post by freshnthehouse on Jan 3, 2008 5:11:47 GMT -5
KG. He is the main reason for our defensive turnaround. When a player of KG's stature commits to playing defense, the rest of the team will follow.
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findawgg
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Post by findawgg on Jan 3, 2008 12:26:52 GMT -5
Pierce is deserving of MVP honors, as is KG. To say that Pierce is the go to guy isn't quite true. Lets not forget that other guy we traded for, Ray Allen. He has made his impact on games including to game winners with time expiring. So I'm not convinced that KG is the clear cut MVP, but he's at or near the top of a very short list along with Pierce.
--Fin
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Post by birdie on Jan 3, 2008 13:16:01 GMT -5
Kevin Garnett
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Post by runrondo on Jan 3, 2008 15:19:01 GMT -5
KG. He is the main reason for our defensive turnaround. When a player of KG's stature commits to playing defense, the rest of the team will follow. Exactly, Pierce wouldn't be playing this great Defense if KG wasn't on his team(not because he can't but he didn't have the motivation)..Pierce has been leading us and is still the truth but KG is giving the team his mindset..Game leading wise, Pierce takes over lots of games but has gone cold at the end in a few..Allen seems to always be hot at the end of games and Garnett just yesterday lead us to victory... |
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Post by moreese on Jan 3, 2008 16:55:17 GMT -5
I completely agree that KG is not only the main reason for our defensive turnaround, and for Pierce's resurgence on that end of the floor, but also our leader. I disagree with using that to take away from what Paul Pierce is doing on the floor. The bottom line is, he's doing it. KG may have inspired him, 27-3 may inspire him, Jesus Christ himself may have inspired Pierce, but the point is he's doing it. So is Garnett obviously, but I think that the way they are both playing, it is very debatable, and the debate is far from over.
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Post by runrondo on Jan 3, 2008 17:43:32 GMT -5
No one said the debate was over..I think people will look to the fact that the defense is number 1 mainly and heavily influenced by Garnett's mindset but then again Thibs makes the schemes but KG gets them to believe and work at it..Now, Pierce is having a monster year, seriously his best year ever doing it all over the place(defense, he's second in assists, second in rebounds) and just to prove how tough of a race all you need to do is look at the stats to see what they did for the team(everything!)
Pierce's rankings on the team in order of points, assists, rebounds, steals, and minutes are
1st
2nd
2nd(tied)
3rd
1st
Garnett
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
Both are doing soooo much for this team and i think people give the edge to Garnett cause he's new and fresh and immediately forget what Pierce has done for the C's for YEARS..but yes, people look to Garnett's intesity and love for the game but Pierce is competitive, i just feel as if Garnett has been more of the vocal leader of this team and deserves the MVP though that can change if Pierce keeps them on his back at the ends of games..
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cfoo
Welcome To Celtics Green!
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Post by cfoo on Jan 3, 2008 19:20:02 GMT -5
I don't think it's so much about Garnett giving Pierce this mindset.. It's more about 2 great players who have had their ups and downs on their own playing together. I think both are great players. I Think Garnett is slightly better than Pierce but they do different things. I think moreese is right that both guys deserve consideration. Ray Ray has kind of had to step aside and play the 3rd wheel and he is playing that part perfectly as well without really sacrificing his own game. I think it's the ultimate team effort with Pierce and GArnett leading the charge. Pierce and garnett could get co-mvp for all I care.
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Post by runrondo on Jan 3, 2008 19:33:01 GMT -5
Just the fact that Ray accepts being somewhat of the third wheel is great too..he's accepting his role and he still hits big shots for us..He's not forgotten but Pierce and Garnett are on another level..Also, the fact that the Celtics finally have people in the talks for MVP is awesome, nevermind who wins...
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Post by moreese on Jan 3, 2008 20:39:38 GMT -5
Hey remember when we won 24 games last year? Now we're debating who is mvp of the league, pierce or garnett...lets just all gather around for a group hug!
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Post by Roadrunner on Jan 3, 2008 22:43:14 GMT -5
No one said the debate was over..I think people will look to the fact that the defense is number 1 mainly and heavily influenced by Garnett's mindset but then again Thibs makes the schemes but KG gets them to believe and work at it..Now, Pierce is having a monster year, seriously his best year ever doing it all over the place(defense, he's second in assists, second in rebounds) and just to prove how tough of a race all you need to do is look at the stats to see what they did for the team(everything!) Pierce's rankings on the team in order of points, assists, rebounds, steals, and minutes are 1st 2nd 2nd(tied) 3rd 1st Garnett 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd Both are doing soooo much for this team and i think people give the edge to Garnett cause he's new and fresh and immediately forget what Pierce has done for the C's for YEARS..but yes, people look to Garnett's intesity and love for the game but Pierce is competitive, i just feel as if Garnett has been more of the vocal leader of this team and deserves the MVP though that can change if Pierce keeps them on his back at the ends of games.. Great analysis. KP+. |
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Post by freshnthehouse on Jan 4, 2008 5:24:21 GMT -5
Since I am stuck working nights I dont get to catch the C's as often as the rest of you. But every time Ive watched a game this there has been at least one time when I've said to no one in particular, "Kevin (naughty word) Garnett plays for the Boston Celtics." It still doesnt seem real. After watching him dominate for the Wolves for the last decade I never wouldve imagined he'd be traded, let alone to the C's.
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Post by Roadrunner on Jan 4, 2008 22:59:38 GMT -5
Since I am stuck working nights I dont get to catch the C's as often as the rest of you. But every time Ive watched a game this there has been at least one time when I've said to no one in particular, "Kevin (naughty word) Garnett plays for the Boston Celtics." It still doesnt seem real. After watching him dominate for the Wolves for the last decade I never wouldve imagined he'd be traded, let alone to the C's. That is why I am voting Kevin McHale "executive of the year."  |
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