Time to play Nate regular minutes?

[droopdog7]

As much as rondo is doing, Doc almost ran him into the ground today.  From what I saw today, it may be time to put Nate into th rotation, I only for 10 minutes a game. I thought he did a good job of running the offense and he is obviously very explosive. I believe we are outmanned in this series and bringing in Nate regularly would provide offensive punch and a change of pace.

[Rashi]

I wouldn't mind seeing a little more of Nate.

Nate was brought in to be instant offense off the bench and he really is living up to the expectations.

He was huge for us in Game 6 against Orlando...and provided the right spark again in tonight's game, while Rondo getting the much needed rest that got him going in crunch time.

There is no need for Rondo to get gassed out and am glad Doc made the proper substitution, because that is what won us the game at the end.

[Roy Hobbs]

I think so.  Nate should probably be seeing 3-4 minutes in each half (minimum) to keep Rondo fresh.  Rondo's game was noticeably better in the fourth after getting a breather.

[Redz]

He seems to flourish in the "pinch hitter" role though.

[MaxwellSmart86]

Nate also got fouled by Bynum on his 3 pointer.

[celticsclay]

As much as rondo is doing, Doc almost ran him into the ground today.  From what I saw today, it may be time to put Nate into th rotation, I only for 10 minutes a game. I thought he did a good job of running the offense and he is obviously very explosive. I believe we are outmanned in this series and bringing in Nate regularly would provide offensive punch and a change of pace.

Completely agree, he also seems to have really good chemistry with Tony Allen. They seem excited to play together. If he can just be pesky on defense and avoid chucking bad shots, he is a huge asset.

[dark_lord]

I think so.  Nate should probably be seeing 3-4 minutes in each half (minimum) to keep Rondo fresh.  Rondo's game was noticeably better in the fourth after getting a breather.

thats how i feel also

[xmuscularghandix]

I like Rondo for the first half, then Nate playing the last 6-8 minutes of the third. Then Rondo in the 4th.

[Roy Hobbs]

I like Rondo for the first half, then Nate playing the last 6-8 minutes of the third. Then Rondo in the 4th.

I think the third quarter is too important to give 50% - 75% of it to Nate.  Rondo is still the straw that stirs the drink.

[celticsclay]

I like Rondo for the first half, then Nate playing the last 6-8 minutes of the third. Then Rondo in the 4th.

I think the third quarter is too important to give 50% - 75% of it to Nate.  Rondo is still the straw that stirs the drink.

If I am not mistaken there were times when the lakers had both Farmer and Fisher in the game tonight. If the Lakers are doing that, why cant we counter with Nate and Rondo for brief stretches...

[Who]

I like Nate Robinson in this series. He has had some very big games against the Lakers in the past and is clearly very comfortable attacking Derek Fisher or Jordan Farmer.

Also, the Lakers use a lot of small backcourts in their second units which makes it easier to play a guy like Nate.

[Change]

Why? Doc trusts him more now, but he still unknown. Don't forget On the Road, you rely on the starters much more. Nate held it down when his number was called. Hopefully he can keep it up.

[xmuscularghandix]

I like Rondo for the first half, then Nate playing the last 6-8 minutes of the third. Then Rondo in the 4th.

I think the third quarter is too important to give 50% - 75% of it to Nate.  Rondo is still the straw that stirs the drink.

If I am not mistaken there were times when the lakers had both Farmer and Fisher in the game tonight. If the Lakers are doing that, why cant we counter with Nate and Rondo for brief stretches...

exactly, That's when teams get their stars rest for the 4th.

[tenn_smoothie]

absolutely Robinson needs more minutes .......

it gives Rondo needed rest, Nate's energy shakes things up, his offense opens the court up and forces the opponent's defense to have to adapt.

Doc should have played him in the first half when our half-court offense was struggling.

[guava_wrench]

It is possible that Nate is looking this good because he is being used perfectly.

It is an interesting question because there is such a big change with Nate in the game. Nate has been effective though. Sure, he was one of the few players with a negative +/-.

I also don't have enough insight to evaluate the team offense and team defense when he is in. I seems the coaches like him, but it a very limited way.