Veteran experience

By Nick Daniel

A team's veterans could make or break a playoff team. Veteran experience is an important factor in two teams still gunning for a finals trip. The play of Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan have changed their look, going from oldies, to skilled, experienced players, and their teams, the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs, have done the same.

            Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are players that many used to think were playing on borrowed time. They were players whose minutes would lower, and their stats decrease, as many injuries started to bug them, people thought that the mid thirties is too old to play ball, but these players are 36 and still rolling. During this years playoffs, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett have stepped up on their respective teams and both have led their teams to the conference finals. They have changed many fan's outlook, going from oldies to respected and experienced players who many think are two of the most important players on their teams.

            Kevin Garnett (the Big Ticket, or KG) is averaging 19.5 points per game (ppg) in the playoffs, up from 15.8 ppg in the regular season, that is an increase of 3.7 ppg. He also upped his averages throughout the playoffs. In the first round he averaged 18.7 ppg, in the 2nd round he averaged 19.7 ppg, and in the first game of the conference finals he scored 23 of Boston's 79 points. He has also upped his blocks per game (bpg), steals per game (spg), field goal percentage (fg%), and even his three point percentage (3p%). KG has also pulled down more rebounds in the playoffs, snatching 10.8 rebounds a game (rpg), thats 5th overall but 1st by players remaining in this years playoffs. He has stepped up in the playoffs, and the coach has responded, playing him an average of 36.6 minutes per game (mpg), up from 31.1 mpg in the regular season. If Kevin Garnett keeps playing at this level, and all the other around him respond and step up, the Boston Celtics could upset the number two seeded Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan (middle) backing
 down Kenyon Martin (left)

       The San Antonio Spurs have been getting a lot from their veteran big man. Tim Duncan (the Big Fundamental) is another veteran big man who has stepped up and led his team to the conference finals. Tim Duncan has raised his game in every category. His ppg rose from 15.4 to 16.8 ppg, a 1.4 ppg increase, and he averaged an amazing 21 ppg in the 2nd round. He has played  more minutes, playing an astounding 32.7 mpg for player whohas been in the league that long. He has also upped his defense, snatching more balls and swatting more shots than in the regular season, and has even found more open players, raising his apg from 2.3 apg in the regular season to 3.1 apg in the playoffs. Tim Duncan, with help from all star guard Tony Parker and unstoppable lefty sixth man Manu Ginobili, is carrying the Spurs to another finals appearance.

Kevin Garnett (5) dunking the ball

       Some ways Kevin Garnett is keeping himself productive is going to his sweet spot down on the left block. What helps KG in the post is being patient. He always looks for a better shot. Down on the left block, if gets the ball and a double team is coming, KG turns andputs up a quick fade away in rhythm. He can do this play over his right or left shoulder, which makes him very hard to guard. Also, when the Big Ticket catches the ball, there’s no panic in him. He surveys the floor, let the muddy water clear, and sees what he can/should do. His patience helps Kevin Garnett be one of the top veteran big men in the game today.

       Tim Duncan has also been outstanding. He’s found ways to keep the wear and tear of the NBA season from killing his body. Tim Duncan has the same patience and great footwork that the Big Ticket has down on the block. If the Big Fundamental has a young player on him, he’ll back him down, put up a few pump fakes, and by now it’s too late for his defender. Also, if Tim Duncan’s defender is playing off him, he will go to his sweet spot and splash the running hook. Another great move Tim Duncan has perfected is the dribble, dribble, spin move. He is one of the best low post scorers in the game today. What makes him so productive is his use of the background. No other player has duplicated his skills of the bank shot.

       Fans are now remembering Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett’s days of domination. When they would have many 20 points, 10 rebound games and would be considered for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Many fans are saying that Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are still at the top of their game. One fan said “Tim Duncan uses the low post very well”, another said “Garnett is still one of the best defenders, he is very efficient on that end of the floor”. Most fans agree, but some feel that their age is catching up with them, one fan said “Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are doing well, but they are not even close to how good they were in their prime”. Both players are playing well for their respective teams, and the players on those teams have responded, as both have made it to the conference finals.

Nick Daniel

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