Cool Rondo?

[Celticai]

I know everyone said before this series (or even the playoffs) began how important Rondo is in order for this team to win. But it's amazing how much of a factor he is.

During the most of the first half of game 4 Rondo was fantastic. Cool, focused, precise, driven. Facilitating. He could bounce a ball off a Heat player's head into the hoop if he wanted to.

And then came the offensive foul on Battier with a minute left in the half.

Rondo lost his composure (as he should, since Battier kicked him first when they hit the deck and he got a technical for kicking back) - And the flow of the game was abruptly changed. As his temper changed you could see his focus shifted as well. You could see he has entered his "contemplating mode". It's much more harder for him to operate under this mode.

Rondo is an amazing player. I think he's one of the best facilitators of the game I've ever seen. His weak spot used to be his shooting. Now? it's keeping his composure at all times. His worst enemy is no doubt Rondo himself.

If the Celtics want to win tonight's game, Rondo has to stay focused for the entire time he's on the court. The Heat will be looking the knock these old geezers off. If Rondo keeps his cool, they don't stand a chance. No team in the NBA does.

[GreenFaith1819]

It did seem as if Rondo got rattled a bit after Battier's sneaky play.

I hope the refs pay more attention to him. He's a good defender, but as I watch him he does a some sneaky, foul-worthy plays out there.

But I agree with your post - Cool Rondo - for the ENTIRE GAME - no matter WHAT happens - takes Game 5 for BOS tonight.

BOS's primed for an upset, and Rondo must play his part - to the "T".

[Celtics4ever]

It's almost a law of basketball that the officials always miss the instigator and punish the retaliator.   I have seen this dozens of times happen.  If they do watch film, one would think they would be out to watch for this and also people pulling people down on charges.

Rondo needs a monster game tonight but I think Ray is due one as well.

[SHAQATTACK]

I know everyone said before this series (or even the playoffs) began how important Rondo is in order for this team to win. But it's amazing how much of a factor he is.

During the most of the first half of game 4 Rondo was fantastic. Cool, focused, precise, driven. Facilitating. He could bounce a ball off a Heat player's head into the hoop if he wanted to.

And then came the offensive foul on Battier with a minute left in the half.





Rondo lost his composure (as he should, since Battier kicked him first when they hit the deck and he got a technical for kicking back) - And the flow of the game was abruptly changed. As his temper changed you could see his focus shifted as well. You could see he has entered his "contemplating mode". It's much more harder for him to operate under this mode.

Rondo is an amazing player. I think he's one of the best facilitators of the game I've ever seen. His weak spot used to be his shooting. Now? it's keeping his composure at all times. His worst enemy is no doubt Rondo himself.

If the Celtics want to win tonight's game, Rondo has to stay focused for the entire time he's on the court. The Heat will be looking the knock these old geezers off. If Rondo keeps his cool, they don't stand a chance. No team in the NBA does.

One angle of the replay showed a  Battier clinched fist swat at Rondo, it was only visible for a split sec. form only one camera angle.  I watched it in slow motion , don't belive he made contact but it was really close ( and it was right in Rondo face)...the commentators never made mention of that fist thrown , everybody was watching the legs.

[SHAQATTACK]

The heat are a dirty dirty basketball team.  It is refreshing to watch the OKC and Spurs games .  I get so tired of Wade and the thugs beating on everybody . Then the refs call fouls on the good guys , while the Heat smile into the cameras....is this not WWF (new NBA) or what?

HEat is just such a discusting nasty bunch of thugs to watch. It is barely basketball .  But 10 year olds love pro Wrestling, so I guess thats what Stern wants to give em.

[Bankshot]

I agree that Rondo is his own worst enemy.  The second half of the last game, he totally changed the way he played from the first half.  I don't get it.

[Who]

I thought Rondo took his foot off the glass a few minutes prior to Battier's foul.

So I don't think that had anything to do with it.

[Greenbean]

As long ass Rondo continues his trend of limiting his turnovers and playing solid defense, I like our chances.

[vinnie]

Rondo is playing great. He deserved the technical for trying to kick Battier. He still needs to do a little growing up and get better control of himself.

[ChainSmokingLikeDino]

I agree that Rondo is his own worst enemy.  The second half of the last game, he totally changed the way he played from the first half.  I don't get it.

The Heat also, and their fans would say finally, made an adjustment on how they were playing Rondo (it only took 14 quarters of basketball to do), doubling hard on screens, forcing Rondo to give up the ball immediately and limiting any penetration. The entire C's team adjusted poorly to this and relapsed into a stand around offense. The C's drought didn't occur in a vacuum but was instigated by The Heat, a very good defensive team, finally making an adjustment that thwarted the C's oft stagnant offense.

[Celtics18]

Rajon Rondo is a cool cat.  At times his own coach has called him out for being too cool.  We need cool Rondo, but we don't need too cool Rondo.