Kevin Garnett, power forward for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Brooklyn Nets, knows that in the back of his mind the thought of retirement looms.

At 38-years old, Garnett knows he is no spring chicken and that his time is almost up.

The thought made Garnett's return to Boston last Friday, extra important. The place alone was important to Garnett, as it was the only place he won a championship in 2008 throughout his NBA career.

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However, the added air of significance came also with the realization that the game between the Nets and the Boston Celtics may well have been his final game at TD Garden.

"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 game had a favourable decision for the Nets, as they slid by with a close win (109-107). By the end of the season, Garnett's contract will expire.

He says that he takes everything with appreciation. That isn't to say that Garnett did not apply that same kind of appreciation before. It is just that it happens more often and more intense in the last days of a career.

"It's more appreciated, especially with everything going on in the league, (player) movement and what things could be. I'm very fortunate."

Despite his age, Garnett's statistics have actually gone up since last season. Throughout his games, he has been averaging 7.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists within 23.2 minutes played per game. 

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