Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo Lifts Celtics To Big Win Over Spurs
Rajon Rondo was struggling before his benching…oops I meant injury rest against the Timberwolves. However, he showed signs of returning to he form that made him an early MVP candidate against the Pacers by attacking the basket. The problem is against the Pacers, he failed to attack for a full 48 minutes as he disappeared at the end of that fourth quarter in the loss. People were still left wondering when Rondo would return to being the amazing player that he was before the injuries and confidence issues crippled his game. Of course in a big game setting like the one Thursday against the Spurs, Rajon Rondo came up huge.
Rondo attacked the basket the full 48 minutes. He directed the offense flawlessly as Boston scored over 100 points and shot 54 percent. Rondo made all the right passes and decisions as the man had both 14 assists and zero turnovers. He would get into the paint and find guys for easy baskets. Rondo would also call his own number a couple of times as well as he hit some amazing circus shots off the drive. The key was Rondo had his jump shot working. His stroke looked fluid and smooth and he knocked down jumper after jumper. This made his man play up on him and the speedy Rondo blew by Parker like he was standing still. This made it easy for Rondo to post a team high 22 points.
Other highlights include:
-Boston finally had a solid fourth quarter. Rondo attacked the basket and his teammates followed his lead as the team shot over 66 percent in the quarter to score 30 points.
-Paul Pierce was huge all night. He played with great energy. He would get his nose dirty in the paint as KG battled foul trouble early. He would also hit big basket after big basket. Pierce also passed very well as he did not force his shot. The result was Pierce finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
-Kevin Garnett was huge. Despite foul trouble that limited him to 28 minutes, Kg battled and was a factor. He played great defense in the paint. However, he also hit big shots all night as well. He scored with his jump shot and even hit he paint hard like vintage KG. The result was the man scored 20 and grabbed 9 rebounds.
- Glen Davis would come off the bench and shoot lights out as KG was on the pine in foul trouble. He played with great energy and finished with 16 points.
- Ray Allen would shoot and battle all night. The result was he scored 13 points despite only shooting 3-11.
-Jeff Green shot 4-7 for 8 points. He ran the floor very well and looked good.
-Delonte West provided energy once again with tenacious defense. He would also snag three helpers as well with some solid passing that led to some big baskets including a huge Ray Allen three.
-Jermaine O’Neal returned and played 11 minutes. The man needs his legs, but still looked great defending in the low post. JO also would add 5 points including a pretty lay in that also drew a foul.
Playing with rest and a playoff like atmosphere, the Celtics showed up and played a tremendous game. It started with the point guard, but everyone played their role. Look for this big win to catapult Boston to a late surge going into the playoffs. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!
Boston Celtics Nenad Krstic Injured: This Could Be An Issue
(AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Boston Celtics are once again down a big body. Current starting center Nenad Krstic suffered a right knee injury as he drove to the basket near the end of the first half of the game against the Spurs.. The injury looked serious due to awkward bend. Krstic hobbled his way to the locker room. The Celtics sent out a message that he would not return to the game.
It is a good thing that Jermaine O’Neal did return to play tonight. Had he not the Celtics would have Glen Davis and really nothing else to man the middle. If this injury is serious and Krstic is done, Shaq better be coming back soon because this team is now as thin as they were before JO returned and that was paper thin. However, the Celtics still have some depth and size on the roster that could be returning or getting back to form soon. Do not forget that Troy Murphy was signed as insurance. It looks like Murphy might be a bigger signing than people thought. Murphy does need to get his ankle back to form and get better conditioned to be effective. The three weeks left should be enough time for that. The team has Shaq, JO, and one Troy Murphy on the roster. All they need is them to be healthy. However, that has been the issue the entire second half of the year. Stay tuned for updates on this injury. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!
Boston Celtics Shaq To Return Sunday Or Tuesday: Is This Believable?
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Danny Ainge on WEEI radio today let the world know that Shaq is set to return on either Sunday or Tuesday in Boston. Danny Ainge, please forgive me for not holding my breath for the latest possible return of Shaquille O’Neal. It seems like every week there is a new timeline for Shaq’ return that is about as accurate as me saying I am a multi millionaire writing this blog to eat up my day. Shaq has been coming back next week for the last six weeks. It does not matter if it is Ainge, Doc Rivers, or even Shaq himself; all timelines have been proven untrue.
Then again, this should surprise no one in that follows this organization. This situation is starting to look like the 09 Kevin Garnett debacle. KG was coming back before the playoffs, then it was maybe round two, and finally they called it a season. The bottom line is Danny’s track record is not exactly great when it comes to injury timelines for key pieces of his playoff roster.
However, this time I am going to buy into it. Unlike Ainge, Shaq has never lied about an injury at least to the media and fans of Boston. Shaq has said all along that if the playoffs were going on right now, he would be playing. A sore Achilles is tough, but easily managed with today’s modern medicine. Granted Shaq is a lot larger, but this same injury was managed for Ben Wallace a few years ago and he is every bit as physical as Shaq in the post.
The playoffs are approaching. Shaq will need to shake the rust off and test the injury and treatment out. Shaq will probably play in one of those games because the “big fella” is going to need a few tune-up games to do just that. However, due to recent history, I would not be willing to put a large wager on his return. Ainge just has made it too hard to take his word on merit. Celtics fans, let us just hope Danny is finally right on this one. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!!!
Boston Celtics Report Is Urging People To Log On And Compete In Friday Night Fantasy Challenge
Friday Night NBA Fantasy Challenge
For those that have not yet, the Boston Celtics Report is urging you to play this week’s Friday Night Fantasy Challenge. There are many reasons to play. For starters is it is Free!!!! It is also not all that time consuming. Folks it only takes a few minutes, (Or hours depending on how determined you are to pick the winning team) to register and set up a team. Fantasy sports are fun and get you a little more involved with the NBA. It gives you even more of reason to check out how your favorite players did. The other reason is the challenge. Trying to pick the best stats is not as easy as it looks. A guy may average 25 a game, but will he produce on this night? However, somebody has to win this initial prize of $100.00 Bucks!!!! Draftstreet is a great site and fantasy is quite fun. Sign up today folks and take a shot.
How to get started
The challenge is absolutely Free with registration. Once the link is clicked and registration is official, the game begins. Also, when the registration is complete, the prize payout will be posted.
Rules
Each contestant is given a $100k salary cap to build a team consisting of eight players. Rosters include two guards, two forwards, two centers and two utility players.
On Friday, the stats the players on your team rack up during NBA games will translate into points for your created team.
The person who wins Draftstreet’s Fantasy Challenge will ultimately win respect, a feeling of great accomplishment, and more importantly, the cash prize.
Pick your team now for Friday’s Challenge.
Boston Celtics Jermaine O’Neal Returns To Practice: JO Will Make Return Against Spurs
After eight weeks off, Jermaine O’Neal has joined his teammates at practice. JO is looking to get back into form in the final two weeks to contribute to the Celtics playoff drive. There are some positives for O’Neal. The man had an offseason and training camp. This means he knows the system at least. JO also has been keeping up his cardio with bike riding and other exercises, but nothing is like playing in the NBA. Just ask Troy Murphy about that. However, there should be plenty of time to get himself back into a solid defender and rebounder in the middle that the Celtics need.
His comeback game should be against the Spurs on Thursday. Look for JO to get 8 to 15 minutes to get his feet wet. JO will definitely be rusty. He showed rust the first time he came back from injury. However, after about a week, he showed some promise as a strong defensive presence in the middle. One can plan on JO slowly working himself into the 20 minutes that they feel they need form him in order to make a playoff push. If the surgery on his knee has solved his injury woes, then one can plan on Boston getting a huge boost. I am betting on JO being healthy. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!!!
