I hate two of these men more than almost anything in my life. The third, I only strongly dislike.

The media tried to paint Pau Gasol as a trash-talking son-of-a-bitch who showed zero respect to Kevin Garnett.

But Gasol was only trying to explain himself a little bit. (LA Times)

“The way it was played and put down, it was pretty pathetic,” Gasol said. “But I’ll make no more comments on that because it’s not worth it.”

Gasol also added that he was surprised that the comments were interpreted as being derogatory toward Garnett.

“I understand media try to create situations for whatever reasons, create attention,” Gasol said. “But again, sometimes I extend my answers too long. Maybe I shouldn’t do that. I should be shorter with my answers and don’t give away just anything so it can’t be manipulated that way and used.”

Okay, now I’m going to go take a puke in the nearest garbage can: I promise, this will be the last time I ever take The Big Poodle’s side.

As far as Garnett’s reaction to Gasol’s comments, Doc Rivers said Garnett is ready to prove to the world that Game 1 was nothing but a fluke.

“Well, that’s what Gasol said, that he can’t do what he used to do,” Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. “I don’t think Kobe [Bryant] believes that. I don’t think Kevin believes that. He’s not injured, I can tell you that. He just didn’t play a good game. He’s as healthy as he’s been all year. And I think he plans on trying to prove that to a lot of people tomorrow.”

Kill dudes tonight, Kev. Your reputation is on the line.