Kevin Garnett has been turning back the clock with his performances since moving to the center position for the Celtics in February. Just how far back?

Garnett had 29 points and 11 rebounds in the Celtics’ 92-91 victory over the 76ers Saturday night at TD Garden, his highest point total in a game since 2008.

Two days before, Garnett had a 28-point performance in a closeout Game 6 against the Hawks. The 57-point total in consecutive games was Garnett’s best since the 2006-07 season with the Timberwolves.

If Garnett scores 20 or more points in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Sixers Monday night, it will be his first three straight 20-plus-point outputs since April 2010.

Garnett, who turns 36 Saturday, reluctantly has become the focal point of the Celtics’ offense. He thrives on organizing the Celtics defensively. His most fulfilling sequences combine defense and offense - turning a stop into a transition score. In the halfcourt game, Garnett prefers to be a facilitator, making sure the team’s passing game is flowing and the open man is receiving the ball.

But Garnett also spends considerable practice time taking perimeter jumpers. And coach Doc Rivers spends a significant amount of his persuasive powers in an attempt to convince Garnett to take those shots in games.

Since Garnett moved to the “5’’ spot in February, he has found opposing centers either reluctant or unable to extend their defense outside the lane, leaving him open for 18-footers. And Garnett has been gladly taking what the defense is giving. In the Celtics’ seven playoff contests, Garnett has attempted 109 shots, tied with Paul Pierce for the team lead. Garnett is shooting 52.3 percent from the field, far above the team’s 43.4 percent.

But there are other numbers indicating the importance of Garnett. Rivers was not exaggerating when he noted the Celtics’ “plus-minus with him off the floor right now is horrendous.’’