I guess it’s somewhere in between. I agree that Garnett’s passion is something that genuinely motivates his team – I just thought the instance last night was way over the top. For me, some of his antics I think should be toned down when done “in the face” of other players, but true passion is something that we hsould all strive for in whatever we do, and it’s great to see that KG has it.

I honestly think that the “physicality” of Boston is a overrated myth. The only physical players I would say they had are Perkins and Big Baby Davis. You’re right about handling a bully. KG did a whole lot of shutting up when ever Pau or Lamar took it to him on offense. To a greater extent, LeBron.

I love that guy and would want him on my team in a heartbeat. But KG’s a bully. He consistently tries (and mostly succeeds) to gain the upper hand through intimidating other players through talking, pushing, yelling…anything that works. He’s not the most physical player, so he brings a persona to the court that is so intense that he hopes to have you back down (combined with his incredible skill set, of course). Since I think KG’s a bully, I think you treat him like a bully and brush him back…put him on his ass. Whether or not it would work is debatable, but if you just chirp at a bully it doesn’t do anything. You have to knock him down a few times and see how he responds. I’m not suggesting dirty play, but when everyone talks about the physicality of the Celtics, no one talks about giving it back to them….I think you have to test players/teams to see how they respond. Maybe I’m off base here but that’s what I think.

I don’t think that KG is wrong for what he does, I just think that other players need to do some of the same stuff back….hard fouls, physical play, intimidate the intimidator is how I see it.

Kurt has a point. KG’s energy has turned that bench into a reliable group because of his antics. I’ve seen many games where opposing player’s get timid or thrown off their game because of KG’s smack.