North Station Sports

Both the Knicks and Celtics were trying to shake off some preseason rust in the first half of Boston’s preseason home opener at the TD Garden. Kevin Garnett recieved a rousing ovation from the crowd when introduced in the starting line-up.  

Both team’s struggled through very sloppy play in the first half as air balls were raining down from the banners hanging high above the parquet.

The true story behind the backwards basketball last night was Kevin Garnett’s continue recovery. KG looked more fluid and played more minutes. His defense was, as usual, outstanding and his limp was less noticeable. The Boston faithful was given a scare when Jared Jeffries fouled Garnett, banging him in the right calf. Garnett, in noticeable pain, stood at the foul line for a few moments to shake it off.

After the game, Garnett and Paul Pierce added their usual comic breakdown, discussing the details of the right calf bang up.

Garnet asked Pierce,

“Did I look like I was hurt?”

Pierce responded,

“You looked like you got kicked in the calf,”

Garnett responded,

“When you get kicked in the calf, that’s what you look like,”

It was nice to see Peirce and KG doing their usual post game routine.

Though Garnett is still not in complete game shape, it’s safe to say that we can ease up on watching the knee  more then watching the game. However, it should be noted that Garnett’s knee may be more interesting then some of this sloppy preseason action.

Coach Doc Rivers told the media that KG was experiencing shin splints and other various aches. I hope it’s something that’s going to nag the Big Ticket all season long.

Rasheed Wallace also struggled through the first half of action. In the second half Sheed started finding his touch from down town as he nailed a three pointer from about 5 feet behind the line. At that point, Wallace looked very “at home” in Celtics green. He finished with a double-double off the bench.  Also worth noting – Sheed did not pick up a technical foul.

Enjoy the highlight of the game below.