“Kevin Garnett Was an Easier Guard”: Former Nets All-Star, Who Claimed to Have KG’s Number, Could Never Figure Out Tim Duncan

Nithin Joseph | 20/12/2022
"Kevin Garnett Was an Easier Guard": Former Nets All-Star, Who Claimed to Have KG's Number, Could Never Figure Out Tim Duncan

The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, is one of the most iconic players in NBA history. Playing in the power forward position, KG made a heck of a name for himself.

His athleticism, skill, and defensive and offensive ability all made him a major threat to any team. The 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists he registered per game are a testament to that.

However, there is one player who claimed to have his number. Kenyon Martin claimed that guarding KG was easier than guarding Tim Duncan.

Also Read: “I’ll Trade Tim Duncan!”: Kevin Garnett Explains His Reasoning Behind Choosing Between Rasheed Wallace, Chris Webber, and 5x NBA Champion

Kenyon Martin claims it is easier to guard Kevin Garnett than it is to guard Tim Duncan

Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are two of the greatest to ever play the four position. They had unique play styles and were legendary in their own right.

But, who is the tougher player to go up against? Well, according to former Nets All-Star Kenyon Martin, KG was a lot easier to guard than Timmy. Particularly because of the high percentage shots Duncan took, and how consistent he was in putting them in.

“Like, KG for me, was an easier guard to your point. Like…because it was that! I could make you do this! Because you’re trying to get it off. You’re going to take the shot…because you’re trying to get it off! And Tim…Tim going to get to that boom, boom..we’re going. I’m swiping at it…you know…I’m playing at the ball. He just…he just still same speed, same action, “I’m going to get to this spot, and if I make it, I make it. If I miss and you get your hand on it…but it’s going to be this.” Like he the one that…man listen…that matchup made me really really concentrate on tendencies and guarding people. Because I could never force him to do what I wanted him to do.”

A fair assessment to say the least, from Kenyon Martin. But regardless, both the Big Ticket and the Big Fundamental are legends of the game.

Garnett did not like trash-talking Tim Duncan

Kevin Garnett has a heck of a mouth on him. The man loved to talk smack to his opponents. However, Tim Duncan was one man he did not enjoy talking trash to. Why? Because Duncan would respond in the most subtle irritating manner.

Timmy just wasn’t the type of guy to engage in that kind of stuff. The perfect foil to someone like KG.

Also Read: “Let That Big Fella In”: Michael Jordan Calling 18 y/o Kevin Garnett to a Pick-up Game in a Mall Inspired Him to Skip College

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
kenyon martin Kevin Garnett Tim Duncan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

Don’t miss these