Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images
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.
This much we know: Rondo has been taping his right pinky for the past "two weeks," an injury that he aggravated against New Orleans.
"It's been jammed," Rondo confirmed, "but it felt like it broke a bit [this time]."
That explains why he checked out at 7:12 of the third quarter and didn't return until there was 6:12 left in the game. In his absence, the Celtics erased a 58-49 deficit and were winning by three when he returned.
The ability to afford Rondo large blocks of rest is a blessing, both for his health and his psyche. Sometimes, when things go bad, it helps to sit and reflect for a minute. It was a luxury that didn't exist for Rondo earlier in the season. It was why he bugged Ainge to bring in Carlos Arroyo. And it is why West will be a critical piece to Boston's postseason chances.
"I don't mind sitting when we're winning," Rondo said, smiling again.
ESPN Boston – Rondo rounding into form
Raise your hand if you had right pinkie in the "Guess Rondo's injury" pool?
While Rondo has come clean about the injury, I'm not buying it as the answer to his struggles. He still isn't getting to the rim. Maybe it's because guys are playing 5 feet off of him. What we need is some detailed research of Rondo's shot selection (in the paint vs perimeter) and if the number of 'in the paint' shots has dropped since last season. Any volunteers?
I also want to put the brakes on this "Rondo's back" talk. He made four shots. While that's a huge improvement, it's nothing worth writing about. He was -12. He had 1 rebound. Very un-Rondo like numbers.
I touched on the Delonte West vs Rajon Rondo playing time debate in last night's recap. I think Doc needs to give Rondo more time to play through this slump before he considers using D-West in crunch time.
Related links: CSNNE – Rondo re-aggravates hand injury | Globe – Rondo shows signs of breakout | Herald – West provides direction | ESPN Boston – West keys turnaround |
On Page 2, Glen Davis says he's clutch.
Allen and Davis, who each scored a team-high 20 points, both knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the game.
“I was hoping and praying that somebody would foul me,’’ Davis said. “I’m not the guy to pick on, especially in the clutch.’’
We saw Glen Davis at his best last night. The jumper was smooth. He was boarding like a mad-man, playing with a high-level of energy. And as the quote above proves, he's a very confident player when things are going his way.
Related link: CSNNE – Glen Davis leads way in front of home crowd
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Doc earns victory 500 | Herald – Danny Ainge keeps score | Green show guts | Cowens MVP trophy up for auction | CSNNE – Bizarre performance gets Cs past Hornets | Globe – Washburn's Sunday notes | ESPN – Heat's Chalmers injures knee |
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