Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“Rondo’s playing hurt,” KG said after the 92-80 victory. “You know, (he’s) hurt.
“He’s giving us everything he has, and he’s grinding.”
Rondo did leave the floor in New Jersey on Monday night to get his right ankle re-taped after rolling it, but apparently, according to another source, it’s been a problem for longer than that. And when Rondo was able to return against the Nets, the ankle wasn’t seen to be a big problem.
Rondo didn’t make himself available to the media last night, and when Garnett was asked further about the point guard, he said, “I don’t know. You have to talk to him.”
KG added: “I think there’s nights where he’s playing countless minutes for us, and he’s not playing washed-up guys. He’s playing (Darren) Collison and (Deron Williams) and all these guys, and they’re coming at him. He knows that. So he’s just a little focused in.
“But everybody’s banged up at this point, and (Rondo is) no different from that.”
Herald – KG: Rondo playing through pain
Not only is Rondo in a slump, but he's also hurting. I'm not sure the injury is the sole reason behind his recent woes, but he clearly isn't right. This offense needs him to attack the rim.
The good news: Delonte West looked pretty good last night in his 17 minutes. And Carlos Arroyo is holding his own. We can only hope the additional rest will help Rondo rest his ankles and feet. But if he can't shift into a higher gear for the playoffs, we're gonna be in some trouble.
Related links: ESPN Boston – KG on Rondo
On Page 2, the explosive side of Jeff Green.
Green scored 15 of the Celtics’ first 29 points (in less than 13 minutes of playing time), and likely could have been on the way to a 30-point night, if necessary. But the Celtic starters found a rhythm in the second half, and Green took on a complementary role as the second unit closed things out.
“Just doing our job, trying to create for the team,’’ Green said of the reserves’ performance. “Spark up a little run. The second unit came in and collectively gave a big spark.’’
…
Asked what he thought the result of a race with Rondo would be, Green replied: “I would win, definitely. I run a 4.2 40; I’m lying. I’m pretty fast. It would be a tight match.’’
Globe – Green pulls a fast one
And this is why Danny Ainge pulled the trigger on the trade. Green brings explosive scoring off the bench, something the recent Celtics teams have lacked.
As for Green being as fast as Rondo… that's a funny one.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – The Association, Episode 4 | Rapid Reaction | Globe – Return of O'Neals? Uncertainty times two | Cs get control and return to form | Herald – Green and Co. keep up Pace | CSNNE – Celtics back in 1st place in East | CSNNE – West surprises in his return |
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