Kevin Garnett is Essential
Does capitalizing the "E" in "essential" drive home the point? This isn't a new development, just an extension of the most important story line from last season. Kevin Garnett must, must, must play well for the Celtics to be in contention. The Celtics were a ridiculous plus-138 with Garnett on the floor during last year's playoffs (they were plus-18 with Rajon Rondo). This season the Celtics are plus-2 with Garnett, impressive considering the C's have lost two of the three games they've played. By the eye test, Boston simply has no adequate alternative when Garnett is off the floor, at least for now.