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.
With the usual qualifier that the strength of opponent recently has been extremely low, Rajon Rondo has been spectacular the past two games while showing signs of his old self in wins over Orlando and Philadelphia. His stat line alone is encouraging as Rondo is averaging 13.5 points on 68.4 percent shooting with 10.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals over 29.5 minutes per game in those two outings. But zoom in on Rondo’s impact on the team and it’s even more impressive.
During Rondo’s 59 minutes of court time over the last two contests, the Celtics own an offensive rating of 112.7 points per 100 possessions (second-best on the team behind only starting backcourt mate Avery Bradley at 117.2) and the team’s defensive rating is 97 for a plus-15.8 differential (highest on the team over the past two games). What’s more, during Rondo’s 37 minutes off the floor, the Celtics own an offensive rating of 99.3 and a defensive rating of 105.9, for a net differential of minus-6.6 (far and away the worst differential on the team in that span).
Phenomenal numbers.
You don’t need to dig deep into the stats to realize the impact Rajon Rondo is having on this team’s play. Use your eyes.
Even the hardcore Rondo haters have to acknowledge his greatness. [I know they won’t]
My favorite play from last night: The ever-so-casual clean strip of Tony Wroten:
On Page 2, Avery Bradley’s ankle remains a problem
“It’s been feeling sore the last two games,” Bradley, who had 14 points on 6-for-15 shooting in the win over the Sixers, told reporters. “I’ve just been trying to fight through the pain. It just gave out on me a little bit.”
When asked where he now stood with the injury, Bradley said, “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Coach Brad Stevens noticed Bradley didn’t look like himself and opted to sit him down.
“I just didn’t think he looked like he had the same bounce,” Stevens told reporters.
It is too soon to determine if Bradley will miss additional games with the injury.
This latest news on Bradley’s health has me wondering if he’s injury prone. For whatever reason, some guys just can’t stay healthy.
The ankle sprain has kept Bradley out of 5 games this season. Last year (2012-13), he missed 30 games rehabbing the double shoulder surgery. He missed 12 playoff games in 2011-12 due to the same shoulder injuries.
He’s in amazing shape and I’ll never doubt his toughness after watching him play through the shoulder pain.
I heard Sherrod Blakely last night on the post game show talk about the likelihood a team could offer AB a contract worth $10 million annually.
$10 million?
The rest of the links:
Herald – Celtics too good for Philly | Faverani tweaks knee | Globe – Celtics defeat Sixers behind Green’s big game | Cs face decision on Johnson | CSNNE – Green not built for #1 option role | ESPN Boston – Value in 2nd round picks | Rapid Reaction: Celtics 114 Philly 108
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
