BOSTONIt was, on paper at least, just another typical Kevin Garnett kind of game.
But Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers knew better.
Most games, Garnett's numbers only tell part of the story in terms of his impact. In the case of Boston's Game 6 loss, numbers explained his lack of impact.
He had 20 points and 11 rebounds, but not a single basket came around the basket.
And Garnett didn't provide much from the free throw line either (he was 2-for-2), which is another barometer of sorts for how successful Garnett is at affecting the game in the post area.
"We never really established Kevin Garnett," Rivers said following the 82-75 loss. "Even though Kevin had points, it wasn't the points we needed, the type of points. So we have to do a better job there (going into Game 7)."
Garnett was 9-for-20 shooting against the Sixers in Game 7, with all nine made baskets coming on jumpers of at least 12 feet away.
Boston Celtics
The Sixers have tried multiple strategies to limit Garnett's impact in this series.
"They were aggressive," Garnett said. "Multiple players were aggressive. But it's nothing we haven't see in six games."
One of the key players in defending Garnett of late has been Elton Brand, who struggled mightily early on in this series but seems to be getting better as the series goes on.
"He's been playing so great in this series, just try to limit his easy shots," Brand said of Garnett. "Twenty field goal attempts, 20 points, shot-per-point for any guy that shoots a lot during the game, that's what you want."
Philadelphia's defense on Garnett is essentially about pushing him as far off of where he wants to catch the ball in advance of the pass getting to him. From the Sixers' perspective, they hope that will deter him from looking to score around the basket and his teammates from seeking him out in the post.
The Sixers had moderate success on both of those particular fronts in Game 6.
As Game 6 proved, forcing Garnett into being a perimeter scorer is the best way to defeat the Celtics.
There's little doubt that after reviewing video from the Game 6 loss, the C's will look to make some adjustments to their offense.
Ball movement was a major problem, evident by the Celtics tallying just 14 assists -- the fewest they have had in a playoff game this season. Part of the ball movement issue stems from Boston committing a high number of turnovers (17) that led to a significant (19) portion of Philadelphia's offense.
"We'll make some adjustments offensively, and be ready for Game Seven," said Paul Pierce.
Getting the ball to Garnett, in the post more?
Yeah. You can rest assured that will become one of the team's top priorities heading into Saturday's winner-moves-on Game 7 battle with the Sixers.