KG = the opposite of clutch

[HMcCoy]

I've thought this for a few years now, but its really becoming more and more evident. KG rarely closes out games. I'm not talking about simply hitting buzzerbeaters in traffic...but once the 4th quarter rolls around, he seems to consistently dissappear.

He's easily a top 3 player, but he needs a partner who can take over late game situations. Cassell was that type of player, too bad he's doing it in L.A. now...

Agree/disagree?

[23]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

I agree after not believing it before.

For whatever the reason is, he becomes really passive.

The thing that gets me about him is, he expends so much energy during a game, even yelling and screaming and cursing up until that point.

I think he needs to be on a team like the Pistons though

[billmatic]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

yeah, he is one of my favorite players, but i gotta agree.

i would love to see him paired with a kobe, AI, T-Mac type player, but with his salary, it makes it tough.

[Vince]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Agree. The Warriors commentators were preety blunt pointing this out when the Wolves were in Oakland last week.

[HMcCoy]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

The thing that gets me about him is, he expends so much energy during a game, even yelling and screaming and cursing up until that point.

Thats the strangest part. You would think that a fiery temperment would be attributed to a strong will to win, but it doesn't add up. At 29 I'm sure he's figured out by now when he's needed most..but he just can't/won't take over close games.

Shame to see his best years wasted like this. Maybe McCants will develop into the kind of sidekick he needs...or KG's only chance at a ring will be to try finish his career with a contender ala Mailman.

[garnettrules21]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

sadly i agree as well, he just doesn't demand the ball enough. thats whats so irritating about him, he's so damn good but for some reason he just doesn't take the game over like he could. he needs to realize the timberwolves do not win unless he takes every game over and unfortunately he hasn't been doing it. maybe he's just sick of the timberwolves and is waiting for the off-season to really let loose on how he feels. hopefully he gets traded, cause they are going nowhere anytime soon.

[Sarah]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Kevin McHale screwed Garnett by violating a rule about signing Joe Smith for maximum contract years ago. They lost (don't know how many 1st round draft picks) over that bonny move. They could have get some good 1st round on it that can help Garnett or perhaps trade it away for some quality veteran. Now they are living feeding from the FA market.

[triplej96]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Kevin McHale screwed Garnett by violating a rule about signing Joe Smith for maximum contract years ago. They lost (don't know how many 1st round draft picks) over that bonny move. They could have get some good 1st round on it that can help Garnett or perhaps trade it away for some quality veteran. Now they are living feeding from the FA market.

With That being said, it still doesn't give Garnett a reason to not really take over the 4th quarter??

[Court_vision]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Every superstar needs a star sidekick. The only guy who has won it all without one is Hakeem.

KG doesn't really have that "40 point" type game in him...so he, more than ANY other superstar, needs someone else.

The really dissapointing part for KG and the Wolves IMO is that they HAD THAT GUY.

They had Chauncey Billups there...and for whatever reason, let him walk.

He'd be the absolutely perfect guy to play with KG.

Macca is right though, KG doesn't "take over" when it counts most. He seems to drop in intensity / look timid. That's not good and he needs to change if he's to secure his legacy IMO.

[SonicMage]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Every superstar needs a star sidekick. The only guy who has won it all without one is Hakeem.

Rick Barry for the 75 Warriors.

I would not personally hold it against Garnett for getting some new scenery. Its like when youre an employee at a company for so many years and they dont give you that big promotion they keep promising. There are times to move on. With the right motivation, Garnett will be able to turn it on in the clutch.

[Admiral50]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Agree but disagree on the top 3 player comment.

KG is a very good all round player, yet what hurts him is he is not 'great' at any one of those many things he can do.

[mvb34]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

I'm confuse who was the guy who dominate the Suns down stretch on Monday night?? Its harder for a forward or center to take over a game the down stretch, they have the ball throw into them and then he's double team. What he suppose to do force up shots?

[DW Rutledge]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

i've been saying this for years.

that's why i rate tim duncan above garnett. duncan has taken the ball down the stretch in playoff games and scored basket after basket.

garnett would rather get an assist.

great player but he's a sidekick. imo he's not even on david robinson's level.

[bergie56]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

Agree but disagree on the top 3 player comment.

KG is a very good all round player, yet what hurts him is he is not 'great' at any one of those many things he can do.

I disagree with this, however I have to agree somewhat with the OP. I think he pretty much plays the same throughout the entire game, however down the stretch teams start focusing on him more and he gets taken out of the game scoring wise, which we really need him for. Sometimes I wonder if he does too much during 3/4's of a game that he gets too worn out but I don't think that is 100% the case.

The thing that is really odd though is that during his biggest game (Western Conf Finals game 7 against the Kings) he absolutely dominated every aspect of the game, especially late. Also that year he took a ton of big shots at the end of games. However at times this year he has completely dominated during the game and then disappeared. I wonder how much of it has to do with his frustration, weak surroundings or maybe he does need that other player who will take some pressure off of him.

I do feel that Ricky Davis will help this, as would a more consistent Rashaad McCants.

[mvb34]

Re: KG = the opposite of clutch

i've been saying this for years.

that's why i rate tim duncan above garnett. duncan has taken the ball down the stretch in playoff games and scored basket after basket.

garnett would rather get an assist.

great player but he's a sidekick. imo he's not even on david robinson's level.

This comment shows me you know nothing about basketball much less watch Timberwolves games..