Kevin Garnett won't change his style

"Kevin does the sorts of things [Dennis] Rodman used to do, that Ron Artest does," Pierce explained. "All the great defenders do little things to get under your skin."

Garnett is unapologetic regarding his approach. He is not concerned with the mindset of others, he explained, only his own preparation.

"KG is unique in that regard," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich offered. "It's important to his game to get himself pumped up, to make sure when he steps on the court that it is the most important thing in his life for 48 minutes. He might be the best at it.

"Maybe it's a function of my age, but I kind of like it. Amusing isn't the right word, because that's too flippant. More like intriguing, or interesting. Any coach would love a player as focused as Kevin."