I might get some disagreement on this, but I really feel a need to point this out.
I watched last night's game twice - live and recorded - as has been a habit of mine through the playoffs. I have to say that Rondo's game was incredible, on both ends of the floor. How many times can you say that your starting point guard had twice as many blocks as he did turnovers? Or as many offensive rebounds as to's?
Rondo's line was amazing - 20 points, 13 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, and only 1 turnover!
Everyone points to those two three-pointers he hit, and how important they were. They were very important, and my post here in no way dismisses the importance of them. They were crucial to the comeback, and changed the scope of the game. (Did anyone else hear LeBron dissing Rajon in that short interview at the half? Give me a break.)
What showed me that Rondo had developed was much later in the game. Late in the Fourth, Rondo was given the ball at the point, a few steps in from half-court. He started directing traffic, waving off Paul Pierce. He waved off people, and with a calm look on his face told everyone to get away and directed Kevin Garnett to come up to set the pick. Before Garnett got there, though, Rondo drove the right side of the lane. Garnett broke off the pick, heading for the basket. Rondo hit KG with a perfectly timed bounce pass and Kevin slammed it through.
It was the way he completely controlled that play that stunned me. That was the manner and attitude of a veteran point guard, someone who simply knew what was going to happen, and was causing the other 9 players on the court - teammates and opponents - to come in line with what he knew.
No, he's not perfect. Yes, he's going to make mistakes. Yes, he'll make those young player mistakes. But that play told me that whatever else happens, Rajon Rondo has arrived. The Celtics have their point guard of the future. He's starting right now.
Rajon Rondo showed last night just how much improvement he has made throughout the season and what he is capable of. His stat line was terrific, particilarly the 1 turnover, as well as the way he got all over Delonte West. But I would have to say Rondo's single biggest contribution to the game 5 victory was the fact that he kept Sam Cassel on the bench. Nice work Rajon!
OK...absolutely, respect to Rondo...I'm too happy he showed Cassell that he was the no. 1 point guard in the playoffs....let's get to bigger issues (and I won't stress zero wins on road...etc), I want to talk about the streakiest shooter in the planet, Ray Allen. He has been worse than Eddie House for five straight games (Eddie has been on the bench since game five, or worse, of round one), then shows up for a couple of threes, then, as the norm of late in the playoffs, misses wide threes and layups, then just walks around with the "I've been in a movie" sneer....the only time Ray shows up is just in the nick or just after the buzzer ripped...typical streak shooter...we need this man...he will be the answer to Rip (though, as of now, he is barely the answer to Wally Z). Celtic fans, let's talk about this man, Ray Allen. I hope he can get it on track...If you look at how Detroit plays defense, KG will not get the outside 18 footers consistently, as we all know and love. They are too physical on the perimeter, plus Maxiell is better now than Ben Wallace is now. We need Ray to open up the opponents D. They know how to play Paul, they may know how to play KG; Rondo, vs. Billups?... please. Ray can spread and make all the other matchups humble...and have us win in 6! Go green!
P.S. Big ups to Glenn Davis last game, as well as Rondo...we all know how good this kid can be if he decides to work on his jumper and a free throw line extended pass offense; as much as i like the floater, I bet it's not in the offensive scheme
