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Nets' Garnett has retirement in the back of his mind; 'whether I admit it or not'

Adam Hunger / USA Today Sports

At 38 years old, Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Garnett knows he's no spring chicken. 

That reality gave Garnett's return to Boston on Friday an air of added significance. It may well have been his final game at TD Garden, site of his first and only championship, which he won as part of the Boston Celtics back in 2008.

"At this stage, it’s always somewhere lurking in the back [of my mind], whether I admit it or not," Garnett said after the game, according to Boston.com's Brian Robb. "Being truthful with you, sometimes I think about it. I saw Paul [Pierce] the other day in New York and we had a conversation. At this stage, when you know that things are, not taking for granted, but more appreciated, it crosses [your mind]. I wouldn't lie about that."

The Nets eked out a 109-107 win in their last trip to Boston this season - barring some insane miracle by which the two scuffling teams meet in the playoffs. Garnett's contract expires at season's end.

"I take everything with appreciation," he said. "Not to say I didn't do it before, but more than ever when you are kind of on your last days. It’s more appreciated, especially with everything going on in the league, (player) movement and what things could be. I’m very fortunate."

Garnett's numbers are actually up a tick from last season. He's averaging 7.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 23.2 minutes per game.

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