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.
But it might be wise to interject here that the Celtics point guard is on a rather historic run. Rondo has had double-figure assists in his last 11 games, a streak not seen since Deron Williams had a similar streak in February and March 2009 (Steve Nash did it in January and February 2007). Next up is Nash’s 14-game stretch in March and April 2005. (Note: The Elias Sports Bureau wouldn’t tell the Celts the NBA all-time mark, saying only that Rondo is “nowhere close to the record.”)
Herald – Rondo's run real assist for Celtics
“I think I was doing too much; instead of making the simple pass, I am making the home run pass,’’ he said. “That’s just how I play. I’ll try to do a better job of it. If I do turn it over, I just don’t want it to lead to an easy break or fast-break points.’’
“I like rewards, I look at the positive [of taking chances],’’ Rondo said. “It’s like gambling, I don’t go into gambling thinking I am going to lose. I think I am going to succeed.’’
It's the gambling that drives Celtics fans mad, whether it be on defense, with risky passes or boneheaded plays (like that "let the ball roll" turnover vs Utah).
But at some point, we'll have to learn to take the good with the bad. It's that way with every great player. We accept KG's overpassing and Paul Pierce's settle-for-a-deep-jumper isolation play. We'll have to accept Rondo's gambling. Those stats are too good not to.
On Page 2, Doc is trusting Keyon Dooling.
"Keyon, he's just coming on," said Rivers.
"At the end of the day, everybody's banged up this time of year," Dooling said. "But I'm starting to earn Doc's trust a little more; starting to find my niche and role on this team. I want to continue to try and execute it every night."
CSNNE – Rivers on Dooling: He's just coming on
Dooling did make a couple of big shots in the Utah game, but as I read this story I thought the praise was a bit premature. But if you look at his stats, Keyon is shooting 57% over his last ten games.
My bar for Dooling is fairly low. Just play hard on defense, make a couple buckets and don't turn the ball over.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – KG sheds some light | ESPN Boston – Ainge in no rush to bring Pietrus back | Allen travels to Minnesota | Enterprise – Celtics have league's 2nd best record since All-Star | CBS – Celtics/Wolves preview |
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