Not only was Rajon Rondo the best Celtic on the court in Game 4, but he was clearly the most dominant player on the floor. Rondo is the best point guard in the NBA as far as I am concerned as he dominated an entire game that happened to also have Lebron James participating. Rondo is a hungry monster on the court right now, one who is single-handedly willing his team to victory. His 29 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists, and two steals were all part of a legendary performance that overshadowed even the league MVP. However, despite Rondo's historic brilliance Celtics fans should not yet be convinced on the victor of the series. Not until Paul Pierce breaks out of his shell will this team truly be ready to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rondo can dominate the tempo of the game and outplay Lebron all he wants it seems, but Pierce must convince us that he can return to his usual playoff form. If and when the Cavs personally assign James to cover Rondo it will be up to Pierce to carry the team. Carrying the team like he did in epic fashion two years ago with a 41 point performance (ousting the Cavs from the playoffs). With the hunger that KG, Allen, and Rondo are playing with, this team seems ready to achieve with a Paul Pierce return. If Pierce can revive his series performance and be the offensive force we all know he can be, the Celtics will win this series.
If you are a Cleveland Cavaliers fan you must be wondering when will and why hasn't Lebron James been covering Rondo? James was asked about the possibility of this exact scenario and had this to say: "...Rondo is definitely dominating the series at the point guard position...I don't have a problem taking Rondo or guarding Rondo…if the coaching staff or the guys want me to do it, I will". This is Lebron addressing the need to hinder Rondo to win the series. Also hinting to his Coach that to win this series Rondo must be slowed by James himself. Rajon is the second best player in the series, but in this game he was best on the floor.
Rajon Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body and must be respected this way if the Cavs are to have any chance against him. James is 6'8 250 pounds and Rondo is listed at 6'1 171 pounds, but they are the exact same type of player. The scouting report on King James is that he is a "walking triple double" who is a threat for double figures in points, rebounds, and assists every night. A player who isn't thought to be a great shooter and is often challenged by teams' to beat you with his jump shot. Turning Lebron into a jump shooter is the only hope to beat him. He otherwise will dominate attacking the basket and drawing fouls left and right. When his shots are falling he is impossible to defend because he can score in any way he wants to.
Rondo is also a walking triple double who is dared to shoot jump shots and when his shots are falling and is attacking the basket at will, also makes him impossible to defend. If Rondo were Lebron's size he would be just as talented, but at just over six feet tall he is not a threat to block shots. LBJ's advantage over Rondo is his shot blocking ability, where as Rondo's claim to fame is stealing the basketball. Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body, then by all means let the best guard the best. This series will come down to the will of Rondo VS. the will of Lebron, and who's supporting cast steps forward.
Rondo is also a walking triple double who is dared to shoot jump shots and when his shots are falling and is attacking the basket at will, also makes him impossible to defend. If Rondo were Lebron's size he would be just as talented, but at just over six feet tall he is not a threat to block shots. LBJ's advantage over Rondo is his shot blocking ability, where as Rondo's claim to fame is stealing the basketball. Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body, then by all means let the best guard the best. This series will come down to the will of Rondo VS. the will of Lebron, and who's supporting cast steps forward.
Excellent win for the Celtics and a great series to come as we look ahead to Tuesday night in Cleveland. As a fan I do not care if the Celtics win or lose this series, but I care about seeing the effort and the heart we all saw in Game 4. Bring on Lebron James to cover Rajon Rondo and free up Pierce at the small forward position. Without the 6'8 250 pound frame of the MVP shadowing him "The Truth" will dominate once again. It has come down to a pick your poison scenario for the Cavaliers. The Cavs must decide if they really want to leave Pierce covered by Anthony Parker or Delonte West. Doc Rivers said it best in his pregame speech to his team before Game 4: "...when we play our game, and when we are focused for 48 minutes we beat everyone". In Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals when the Lakers were defeated in Boston by 39 points they learned all about what Doc knows so well.
1 comment:
Will be curious to see if Lebron covers Rondo. We WERE lucky that Rondo carried us on his shoulders...but this is a streaky game and Pierce is DUE. Show em da TRUFE!
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