In Rondo We Trust
by Jeff Clark on May 3, 2010 9:03 AM EDT
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One thing that has crystallized (for me at least) is that the best hope we have of winning this series is Rajon Rondo. Talking with a Cavs blogger the other day, the only guy he feared was Rondo, and with good reason. You couldn't ask for a better performance from Rajon in game one, yet I fear we'll have to ask for just a bit more.
Did that foul that O'Neal stick on him make him more passive or was he simply passing more (and getting less results out of his teammates)? Rondo indicates that it is the latter.
This series all about Rajon Rondo - BostonHerald.com
"It’s still a team game, so I don’t want to try to do too much - but it starts with me. I don’t like dominating the ball and trying to score every time down. That’s not how my mentality is. I’m a pass-first point guard, so I’m always looking for the other guy. "In the second half I think I did that maybe too much. I should have called maybe more pick-and-rolls for myself, but at the same time I didn’t want to keep on calling plays for myself."
Maybe he needs to. Perhaps we need 35 points out of Rondo to win a few games in this series. Or perhaps it is a timing thing. Get the teammates involved early and THEN call your own number when the team really needs some buckets.
Rondo might have to come to the realization that he's now the best (most consistent) player on the team. That's really hard with a cast of Hall of Famers but sooner or later he'll have to accept it.
Is there a danger of relying too much on Rondo? A better question might be, as opposed to what?
"He’s a good player and he’s going to have the opportunity to get into the paint," Rivers said. "Should we say they rely too much on LeBron? You got something going, you stick with it. I thought we should have done it more."
Well said.
Bonus Quote from Cavs the Blog (h/t RA):
You know what the difference down the stretch was? Rajon Rondo isn't the most experienced player on the Celtics. He's not their locker room leader. He played the smallest role of anyone in the "big four" in Boston's 2008 title run. He's the least complete offensive player of the Celtics' top players. He's also, by a wide margin, their best offensive option against the Cavaliers. Down the stretch, all those cliches about what separates fourth-quarter baskets from first quarter-baskets clouded the Celtics' thinking down the stretch. They're having an alpha dog crisis. If they figure it out, they have a great chance of taking this series. If they don't, they'll be doing the Cavs a huge favor. Fortunately for Cavalier fans, the Cavs are not having an alpha dog crisis.
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13 hrs 40 mins.
I like the idea of Rondo dominating the game early. However it may be best to start off in low-post instead of a penetration game. This gets more ball movement and participation. At that point Rondo can call his number more often, as needed.
There was a drop off in his performance after the hit from Shaq. Btw who was covering Mo after that hit? That’s when Mo went off in the 3rd. He was the unanswered points that broke open the game for Cavs.
There was a great CelticsHub article on this actually: http://celticshub.com/2010/05/02/video-howd-mo-go-off/
Rondo was covering him, but it looks like most of the problems were with screen handling.
by rax on May 3, 2010 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions
i like the idea of rondo dominating early and late. and all the time. time to pull out all the stops before it’s too late to do so.
Yep, though I'm sure he's got the Ancient Three pressing for touches.
It may take until he’s got some new teammates for him to be fully comfortable shooting as much as they need him to.
Yes if he misses 12 and makes 5 it's not good.
I expect a bounce back in the most critical game of the season.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Sorry that should have been under your reply to my post.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Looks like the words "Rondo" and "Dominating" are getting tossed around a little too loosely...
Yes, Rondo played well…but let`s NOT pretend he has the ability to “dominate” at will.
He`s not exactly the second coming of Michael Jordan!
As for tonight…Boston`s entire season is on the line.
The Cavs will be thinking “sweep” if they take a 2-0 lead.
same old
Everytime we played the Cavs this season, we had our way early on and everytime Rondo took the Cavs defenes apart in the first half. Then the Cavs adjusted at half time and the Celtics had no counter punch for the adjustment. Was Doc out-coached? Or did we simply don’t have the personnel to adjust to their adjustment?
Rondo has been great, but he still can’t carry a team to win a playoff series yet. If he does not receive any meaningful help from P and R, his effort will again go down the drain.
It just shows that at this level, you have to have more than one weapon
Teams adjust and will take it away.
If Ray or Paul had their shot falling in the second half, we win. As simple as that.
Our offense was still ‘working’. We got several wide-open, easy looks – some from point-blank range. But the shots just didn’t fall.
And when our shots don’t fall, that means the other team has a better chance at getting transition buckets.
And on the other end, with four of our 5 starters in early foul trouble, we stopped playing aggressive defense so we weren’t getting stops (which would have helpd US get more transition buckets).
he’s like a timex- keeps on getting hit and keeps on ticking. i do like his pass first mentality. it’s not his fault pp went cold. pp holds onto the ball way btoo long and has slowed. rondo’s #1 resposibility- stay in front of your man on d.
I thought he played it just about right the other night.
The only missing pieces was Pierce shooting well and the bench (although fouls played a part). Most of Paul’s misses which were good shots for him. I expect him to step up tonight and the C’s to even the series.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
I would have thought you guys would post a different quote from Cavs: the Blog..
“When Rondo made a move, Cavalier misery ensued. That’s all there was to it. He is made of wingspan, quickness, and nightmares.”
Said it before the series started and that is
Rondo is the best player on this team and the key to the series. Look how much impact he has just by driving to the hoop. Imagine in a couple of years when he not only does that but very consistently pulls up and hits the open J. He’s already doing it some but imagine how good he becomes when that becomes a strong part of his game. This series will be decided by Rondo’s play.
It seems like whenever Rondo is the leading scorer...
..the C’s lose. To me that means he’s 1. Shooting a low % and/or taking shots away from the Big 3 or 2. They’ve had their shots and haven’t knocked them down. It seems like Celts have struggled to get the balance right. It they manage to figure it out in this series, they’ll be unbeatable.
Does everyone slam their head on the table everytime Pierce misses.
I dunno why but every time I watch Pierce take a shot, I cringe and hope it goes in. EVERY TIME. I’m serious.
I hate feeling this way, grrr.
Pierce and Ray Ray needs to get HOT for Game 2 or the C’s are going to be screwed.
You must not very familiar with Paul Pierce if
that’s your take on his shooting. He has a made few shots over the years…
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
I know Pierce is a great shooter
But as of late, it just feels like… every shot he takes will clang off the rim.
It’s kind of weird because even when Ray Allen was missing shots in the beginning of the season, I still felt like the ball was going to go in, every time.
This time though, for Pierce, I just feel like the ball is going to miss every time he takes a shot.
I’m weird. lol
I'm with you on my feelings about Pierce's misses
I either swear or slap the couch. However, if I really think about, I guess I do this for other guys too. Sometimes I don’t think I’m very rational because Pierce is by far my favorite player and I want him to have a great game every game, and I know that doesn’t happen for anyone. Even LeBron doesn’t have a great game every game. So, I think I watch what Pierce does with far more scrutiny than I watch anyone else. There have been games where he’s missed a few and I’m very frustrated with him, but then I look at the stats and realize that he’s 6-11, or whatever, and is actually having a pretty good game. It’s just that I always have such high expectations, and there’s no way he’s gonna meet those every game.
Back in 2007....
A certain # 9 who ironically has the same game as Rondo is now beat the Cavs almost by himself in the NBA Finals, he had the same supporting casts like KG and PP.
But the supporting casts of LeBrick since then has improved but I also believe its the same formula on how to beat the Cavs…..ATTACK< ATTACK and relentlessly attack the basket and sure enoughwe were doing that for almost 3/4 of the game untli the fourth qtr came around and Rondo dissappeared.
"No I’m not KG. Not at all, but I’m Big Baby Glen Davis from LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’m not the Big Ticket. I’m the Ticket Stub. Don’t count the Ticket Stub out. You might need the ticket to get in the game, but you leave with the ticket stub, because you’ll never forget this game."
No your not @ AlexC
In 2008 I just new we would whoop any team that stood in our path…guys (pierce) would miss shots but it wasn’t the same feeling as I get in 2010…Yes my forehead has a severe dent in it from banging off table-lol I also am skeptical everytime a shot goes up from Mr. 34…some how he has lost his touch…watched an interview yesterday and pierce claims he didn’t miss many shots this year-Yeah Right! that is a blatant lie…I trust Rondo taking shots more than him this year-Scarey…bottom line is play as a team…WIN THE FINALS DREAM
The only time I feel comfortable watching the ball leave Pierce's hands is when he does a layup.
If I see the ball being dribbled by Pierce, I cringe. Everytime I see Pierce take a shot, I cringe. Everytime Pierce makes a long pass, I tend to cringe.
One thing I really hate is when Pierce tries to bring up the ball or is dribbling the ball for a while. This guy tends to make turnovers 60% of the time. Watch Game 1 and you will see how many bad passes and strips he’s gotten.
Quite frustrating.
But I know Pierce still has his vintage side and I really hope it explodes out of him in Game 2. We need the ol Pierce back.
no offense
and you guys are absolutely entitled to your opinions, but I think you’re crazy for being so worried when the best offensive player on the team shoots the ball.
He had a bad game Saturday. Theses things happen. I know its only been 6 games into this years playoffs but his 3pt% and FG% are both higher than his playoff career averages.
He’ll bounce back tonight, im sure of it.
P2 is the man.
He admitted that it was crazy.
People say and think crazy things no biggie.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
ugh ..............
sure rondo taking shots over pierce… not crazy..
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Judging by the first round and the first game
I am confident that the C’s still has what it takes to win defeat the Cavs in a series, let alone, win a title. The C’s must go to what’s working (Rondo) and defend, then they will be fine. It will also be better if a number of guys will play efficient games. In the first game, it was KG and Rondo who picked up the slack, it is up to the other players next game to perform.
Also, it is up to Doc to counter whatever counter-moves Mike Brown will use against the C’s certain players. This is the series where we will know how good of a coach is Doc Rivers.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is the key to domination.
Rondo shot 7-10, KG 9-20
There’s NO reason not to give Rondo more shots – even if he cools off some, he will be over 50%.
How many times do you see the kind of shooting Rondo executed in a road playoff game – even at the ft line? It just showws how much practice time he’s been putting in – incredilble!
When the Cavs pull out the double teams etc to stop him, then the rest of the team will be open…
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 9:40 AM EDT reply actions
Funny Rondo quote from ESPN:
Rondo, though, said he’s not worried about another encounter with Shaq.
“It’s not him,” he said “It’s the floor.”
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 10:25 AM EDT reply actions
It's ok to be selfish, Rondo
Don’t be afraid to keep calling plays for yourself. Yes, I think the Cavs blog nailed it. I really think we are having an alpha dog crisis.
Rondo????
No one questions how good Rondo is. But before we had over the keys to the Porsche.. We need to evaluate his game fully. Rondo is still a kid as evident in Game1. He played phenominal in the first half. But his dashing and penetrating was non-existant in the second half. Then he got TOTALLY EXPOSED ON DEFENSE BY MO WILLIAMS…. He kept us in the game and lost it for us in the same breathe. A great, but young player.
Not exactly a Porsche...
I’ll take 7-10 from the field and 12-14 from the ft line any day!
Disagree on your assessment of his 2nd half play.
For me, he’s the best player on this team, and needs to take a lesson in “selfishness” from LeBron for the C’s to have a chance, however remote…
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Close to 20 of his points was in the first half. When he stopped driving to the hole in the second half Mo Williams came alive and did us in for the game. I have watched every game this season and Rondo has gotten exposed by all point guards that can score. Do you remember what Jennings of the Bucks did to him in one of the last games of the season? Deron Williams of Utah and Montae Ellis ofGolden State? Rondo is a good team defender but a horrid one on one defender. And when the guard can put offensive pressure on him that takes Rondo out of his game. No show Rondo down the stretch on Saturday. He is still a kid.
by bigjohnson34st on May 3, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
if you think DWill “exposed” rondo, then what did rondo do to DWill in the game against the jazz early in the season?? if i recall correctly rondo made DWill look mediocre that game
No this is close to correct.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
is it just me or...
has rondo been making alot of three’s lately. I mean its not ray allen 5-7 from 3pt range but it always seems like he gets 1 a game. especially at the end of quarters/halftime. and again im not saying he’s ray allen/PP’s level but he seems to be confident taking the three from time to time. He seems to be really working hard with his shot/freethrows (he went 12-14 ft’s) and it seems to be working for him. I believe its all about his confidence, and when his confidence is up, he wont be so hesitant to shoot the midrange that i believe he has. and to comment on his 2nd half- those bs couple fouls on him played a BIG role with his aggresiveness in the 2nd half
1-1 behind the arch
Seems more like a miracle than a trend for Rondo. Still, I’d rather see him shoot a trey than most of our team (excluding Pierce and Shuttleworth, of course.) Maybe he’s been saving his three game for the playoffs.
I’ve always thought that if Rondo could consistently shoot from mid-range our outside, he’d be the most unstoppable PG in the league and a top 5 player overall. Glad to know he’s got years of development with the Celtics ahead of him.
Agree...
His jumper is getting better already. Even his foul shooting has gotten better as the season went on. Another off-season with Mark Price should put him over the hump. Plus I think he is beginning to realize that his ppg will only continue to go up if he makes foul shots and jumpers. That will only open the lane up for him more.
by bigjohnson34st on May 3, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Rondo 8-14 from three in the playoffs
.571 (highest on the team), compared with .231 in the season.
Over 84% (highest on the team) from the ft line in the playoffs (27-32), compared with 62.1% in the season.
Who does that?
His documented “stepping up” his game – UNREAL…
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Identity Crisis
The team has an identity crisis. Though one of the big three will have a good game, rarely do we ever see a dominating performance from any of them. The person who does dominate is Rondo, at least more consistently. It’s time for Celtics brass to recognize this, and build the team around him. More importantly, the rest of the team has to recognize it as well. But if Rondo is going to yield to the big three later in games, we no longer are going to be an elite team. We’ll be good, but not a championship team.
they were fine in the first round
played exactly the way they have too…thats all they have to do.
Now all of a sudden they dont get it?
Not at all
I didn’t say the Celtics are awful. They are a good team. We beat the Heat seven of eight games all season. They are not a good measure. What I said is that we’re not a championship team if we rely on players who cannot dominate consistently. You’ve got to admit that none of the big three are consistent enough to carry a team through a series. One game? Sure. The only person who can right now (whether it be due to age or injury) is Rondo. But if he’s yielding to the big three, if they are not dominating, they struggle. This is ‘part’ of what we’ve seen. Is it the only problem? Nope. But I think it’s time to understand that Rondo not only is the future of this team, but he’s the present. He’s more than what stirs the drink. Now, he is the drink.
Again however, I don’t see this as a negative. Certainly it will be difficult to win this series, but the Celtics have the pieces, but everyone has to learn what they can and cannot do.
what I believe
I believe that the NBA wants LeBron in the Finals.
The Celtics would have to be 100% perfect to have a chance to win this series,
and the Cavs only have to be good enough to have the officiating grant them about 10 points per game to win the series.
The league is corrupt. I believe refs get the word from the top to favor the Cavs.
According to Commisioner Stern, coaches and players who criticize the refs face suspension now, not only fines, and are “lucky to be there”.
The fact is, fixing NBA games is thoroughly legal. The games are the sole property of the NBA, for entertainment purposes. That IS the law.
You forgot to add how you believe:
- The moon landing was faked.
- 9/11 was an inside job.
- Alien abductions are common place.
I’m with Snowball in this. In my heart Sterns watches the NBC show “V” religiously, which means he’s gotten some ideas and one of them is how to mate and control the masses. I’m positive he mates with selected refs and hatches baby refs during the NBA off-season so we could FINALLY get that Cleveland Vs Lakers finals. The writing is in the wall!
Soon Lebron will be in New York, The Messiah will float down from the skies wearing a Lakers jersey and Snowball will own the Celtics team. This is something even the most naive person can see, so for all those mocking Snowball please try seeing his side of the story first.
Now let me get ready for tonights Spurs Vs Suns game, where hopefully the refs Stern plants helps my Spurs reached the final. Sure, he messed up the last two years where the Spurs couldn’t get out of a t-shirt let alone the first round but this time I’m sure Stern will get it right.
Salvatore, Mauer, and Smith
Smith particularly likes the Suns, Salvatore is corrupt, and Mauer is a weasel.
Spurs hope Stern is still under the influence of the blackmail photos…
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of refs...
Tonight:
Dick Bavetta
Dan Crawford
Ed Malloy
This usually means lots of fts – and Crawford is a shill for Stern.
In my opinion this means a lot of calls for the Cavs – but if they only shoot the usual 67% from the ft line, there’s still a chance…
by nba is the worst on May 3, 2010 12:14 PM EDT reply actions
This is what happened (i think of course)
At half time Rondo told the reporter that when the Cavs force the ball out of his hands, he is gonna give the ball to the big 3 and let them do there thing and hopefully they will finish this thing out
Well, thats what he did. He gave the ball to the hall of famers around him and they didnt show up. If they would have shown up then he would have been right and we would have closed out the game so you can look at it in three ways
1) Rondo will be consistant and the big three will step up in 4 of the next six games to win the series
2) Rondo might not play well enough for the big three to carry them to a series win
3) Rondo will continue to play at a high level and the big three just wont step up or dont have it in the tank to win the series.
Personally I like option number 1 but the only way i will truely believe it is if they can win tonight in Cleveland. If the big three can put up 50-60 points a night combined than i think we are almost unbeatable. Just think, we almost won the game with Ray and Paul struggling, no help on offense from the bench and we had to fight the refs.
At home, the bench should play better with the crowd, we shouldnt have to fight the refs as much and ray and paul should step up if not at the same time, indivisually they can take over some games.
I look at it like this, the winner of game 2 will win the series.
Rondo is I think the leader of this team....
As he goes so do the Celtics.
So lets hope Rondo goes alot in these upcoming playoff games so that the C’s can do so also !
I think some of the problem is everyone on this team has a tendency to disappear for long periods of time. Sometimes it honestly seems like there is 3 or 4 celtics playing, and they need to get all 5 peaking at the same time, so things run smooth. When all 5 are on the same page the offense and defense look so really smooth, but everyone is guilty of this disapperaring act during games.
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