Garnett: Davis is a ‘freak of nature'

BOSTON -- When is being referred to as a freak of nature a compliment?
When it comes from Kevin Garnett.
Garnett got his first glimpse of New Orleans Hornets rookie and first overall pick Anthony Davis on Wednesday night. Davis posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double as the Hornets snapped the Celtics six-game winning streak, 90-78. 
"That kid is long," said Garnett. "I think he makes me look like a midget, man.He's a freak of nature. The kid's going to be really good. The kid's going to be really good."
Davis said he grew up watching LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, which means Garnett was already well into his career by the time the 19-year-old started tuning into hoops.
Growing up in Chicago, though, Davis heard people frequently talking about Garnett, who finished high school in the same city. Davis took an interest and began watching tapes of his game. He studied veterans like Garnett and Tim Duncan, familiarizing himself with their skillsets and moves. 
This season he is making his debut against the players he watched as a child. James and Anthony are in their tenth seasons, Duncan is in his 16th, and this is season number 18 for Garnett. 
Davis looked forward to facing Garnett (15 points, 4 rebounds) and wished he had more matchups with him during Wednesday's game. Davis liked Garnett's movement, how he got to different spots on the floor, and his communication with his teammates. 
The notes on Garnett in the Hornets scouting report were familiar to Davis, who has by this season watched hours of the veteran in action. 
"He looked to score the ball and he played hard the whole game," Davis said. "(My) expectations were the reality."
Now Garnett has expectations for Davis as well. It is not every day that he throws around a term "freak of nature" for teenagers who have only played in 26 NBA games.
"It's fun because it's going to make me better, see where my game is, see what I need to work on," said Davis. "But it's just fun, going against primetime guys. I just want to get better. Hopefully I can play well enough to help them get better."