Stand Tall, Stand Strong

Posted by Randolph Charlotin May 4, 2008 at 5:22 pm

The most important play of the game might had been a foul called on Kevin Garnett. I’m refering to his pick of Zaza Pachulia that dropped Atlanta’s big man better than a UFC knockout punch.

It’s not about retaliation, even though from that perspective, it was gratifying to watch. It’s more about what it says about Garnett and the example he set for his teammates.

That pick showed toughness from Garnett I’m not familiar with him showing. It’s one thing about being resilient, but it’s another thing to fight back.

The Celtics did the right thing following Marvin Williams’ flagrant foul of Rajon Rondo. They didn’t get into a confrontation with Williams and his teammates. What the C’s did was file that play away in the back of their minds and remembered it. The best way to get back at the Hawks was to make a bad beating even worse. The first statement was Ray Allen, who was cold all day, hitting a three following Rondo’s free throws.

But Garnett’s pick was the exclamation point. That was showing he won’t back down to a team that gets rough. If opponents can dish it, Garnett will dole it out as well.

A lot of noise was made when New Orleans forward David West tapped Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki on the face during the playoffs with Dirk did nothing in return. Nothing. Dirk didn’t even stand up for himself at that moment. As the leader, it set a bad example. His teammates saw that and felt Nowitzki wouldn’t have their backs if they got into a confrontation.

But Garnett got payback for Rondo by putting a little extra into his body check of Pachulia. It’s like in baseball when the pitcher hits a batter after a teammate was plunked. It says, “I’m there for you.” With KG setting the standard, the rest of the Celts understand their responsibility to stand up for each other when they have the opportunity.

This is playoff basketball. There will be hard fouls, cheap shots, and non-calls. It’s expected. This is not the time to turn the other cheek. The Celtics have to be willing and able to return the favor to let opponents know that they won’t back down.

Remember what happened after Kevin McHale clotheslined Kurt Rambis during the 1984 Finals against the Lakers? LA dominated the Celts in game three. After McHale’s hard foul, the game and series turned around. The Celtics won the game in overtime and tied the series. In game five, the Celts blew out the Lakers and ultimately won the series and championship in seven games. Hopefully Garnett’s pick has a similar effect on the team.

Cleveland won’t give up the lane when they come to Boston. The Celtics must make the Cavs earn it as well. Round two will be like a street fight. The Celtics won’t beat the Cavs unless they throw punches of their own.