Garnett Shut Down Indefinitely with Sore Knee

By KC Downey in Celtics, Top Story ⋅ March 31, 2009 at 3:43pm ⋅ Post a comment

Celtics coach Doc Rivers has elected to sit Kevin Garnett for at least the next four games, and perhaps the rest of the regular season, due to an injured right knee. KG, who will not practice while he’s out, has missed 15 of the last 19 games overall since he first injured his knee Feb. 19 at Utah.

“After watching him move today, we’re just going to shut him down,” Rivers said. “It probably won’t be for the year. He’ll probably play by the end, last couple of games or last three games. It’s just not progressing the way we anticipated it would progress.”

WIthout Garnett during this stretch, the Celtics are 9-6. The C’s are 3-1 during the same period when KG suits up.

Reaction: If Garnett isn’t healthy for the playoffs, it will be extremely hard for the Celtics to defend their Championship. KG is their emotional leader and defensive coordinator on the court. He has the mutual respect of all his teammates and is able to direct them on D.

If he can’t play at all, his loss is catastrophic to the Green. They desperately need him for playoff basketball. The Celts may only get by their first round opponent without him. If he plays but is limited, they almost certainly won’t beat the Cavs should they be fortunate enough to make it that far.