Series averages:
20.7 ppg,
11.8 apg, 6.3 rpg. 1.8 spg
Series percentages:
FG:
54.1%, 3pt: 33.3% FT: 65.9%
Series highs:
Points:
29 (Game 4)
Rebounds: 18 (Game 4)
Assists: 19 (Game 2)
Steals:
5 (Game 6)
We picked Rajon to go off in
this series and he made us look real good by doing just that. You could
tell right away that he was going to do just about whatever he
wanted in this series with his 27 point, 12 assist Game 1 effort.
But
what Rondo did goes beyond the numbers. Rondo changed the entire
series because Cleveland targeted him as the weak spot in the Celtics
offense and he killed them by not taking them up on their dare to shoot
long jumpers. Instead, he used that space to either pick the defense
apart with his passing or getting a running start into the lane. It's
like a baseball team putting the shift on for David Ortiz and him
peppering the green monster for 3 doubles and a home run.
All
of a sudden, something the Cavs thought they'd easily have under control
became a huge priority. They couldn't use Rondo's guy to roam and
double because he'd just kill them with penetration. And, for good
measure, he was hitting those 10-12 footers. When you can't double off
Rondo against the Celtics, then you're going to have one hell of a time
beating them.
Rondo didn't just dominate this series, he changed
its entire complexion. He didn't will his team to wins like a Kobe
Bryant might by just being too good and beating good defense. He led
his team to wins by destroying every plan the opponent had laid out. It
was quite impressive to watch.
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
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