There hasn’t been a more important piece to the Celtics puzzle this year than Kevin Garnett.

Entering his 17th season in the NBA, the 36-year-old exceeded all expectations and delivered one of his best seasons in Boston. This postseason, especially, the Celts rode Garnett on both ends of the floor.

And it should be no different entering tonight’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat. With Miami’s Chris Bosh expected to be out, Garnett again will be the focal point for the Celtics.

“I’ve been feeling good since the All-Star break. I’ve been feeling confident in myself. I don’t lack confidence when it comes to my craft and putting the work in for it,” Garnett said. “I take it very seriously. I know how to play this game. So nothing’s different from that. I’m going to play this series coming up the same way, probably more aggressive.”