Climb on my Back, Fellas

Tony Kornheiser began the day with one of his more interesting questions:

Can Kevin Garnett be the best player on the court tonight?

He's the Celtics highest paid player. He's their quarterback on defense, and their inspirational leader, Kornheiser said.

But does he have what it takes to be the difference-maker in a game that counts?

Well, let there be no mistake. KG answered the bell sounded by Kornheiser.

He came out swinging, hitting eight of his first 12 shots in the first quarter.

When was the last time KG took 12 shots in the first quarter? Answer: Not in a Boston Celtics uniform. Add four free throws, and he ended the quarter with 16 points, and the Celtics ahead by 10. When the Pistons battled back to tie it at 69, Garnett scored the next six points.

He finished the game with a season high 31 points, shooting 13-22, with six rebounds, three assists and one block. The Celtics bench played an admirable 61 minutes, but this was KG's night, and the numbers don't even begin to tell half the story.

Deemed a statement game by both teams, it was also a statement game for KG. This crap about Garnett dropping to fourth on some observers' MVP list is ridiculous, and what's more ridiculous is the fact that he's not even a top candidate according to others.

The best team in basketball beat the second best team in the East tonight, and perhaps the second best team in the NBA. The Celtics opened a five-game, loss-column lead on the Pistons, six if you count the tie-breaker they now own by winning the season-series 2-1.

But the Celtics don't win this game without KG. In a battle of the two best defenses in the NBA, the one quarterbacked by Garnett came out on top. The team that scored the most points was paced by Garnett.

Was KG the best player on the floor tonight?

Without question.

Is he the most valuable player in the NBA?

I'll let you tell me.