Celtics Move onto Conference Semifinals (VIDEO)

When will people learn that you never want to talk trash about a player on the opposing team? True, most of the time it doesn't matter, but the one time a player takes it to heart and uses it for motivation...

That's exactly what Kevin Garnett did Thursday night after the owner of the Atlanta Hawks referred to KG as the dirtiest player in the league. Garnett scored 28 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to help lead the Celtics to a 83-80 win over the Hawks. The victory also gave them the win for the series, 4-2.

At one point during this strike shortened season it appeared as if the Boston Celtics were finally playing like the old guys everyone was calling them. By season's end however they proved that in their case age translates to skill as they won their division and earned the No 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Now these old guys will be facing off against the No 8 Philadelphia 76ers. Call it a hunch, but I bet the Celtics owner is real glad he didn't trade anyone after all.

Article by Travis Pulver