Nate was Great last night

[Surferdad]

I only saw the last 6 or so minutes of the game. So was Nate really playing that well, or was Rondo hurt? Or were we just up enough that Rondo didnt need to be in? Just curious.

I think it was a combination of all three.  Although, I don't think Rondo was any more hurt than he has been for the majority of the season.  Doc could have put him back in, but Nate's play meant he didn't have to.

And they played together for a while (about 10 minutes) and that's where Nat's energy (diving for loose balls, tough defense) really came out.

[Boris Badenov]

I only saw the last 6 or so minutes of the game. So was Nate really playing that well, or was Rondo hurt? Or were we just up enough that Rondo didnt need to be in? Just curious.

I think it was a combination of all three.  Although, I don't think Rondo was any more hurt than he has been for the majority of the season.  Doc could have put him back in, but Nate's play meant he didn't have to.

That decision is a perfect example of why Doc is a great coach, although he never gets credit for things like this. Nate was not scoring, but was doing lots of other good things out there, so Doc left him in. Leaving him in sent a clear message about what Nate needs to give this team - and was a lot more effective than just telling him what to do...

[j804]

"In the second half Nate was phenomenal"- Doc voice

[footey]

I only saw the last 6 or so minutes of the game. So was Nate really playing that well, or was Rondo hurt? Or were we just up enough that Rondo didnt need to be in? Just curious.

I think it was a combination of all three.  Although, I don't think Rondo was any more hurt than he has been for the majority of the season.  Doc could have put him back in, but Nate's play meant he didn't have to.

That decision is a perfect example of why Doc is a great coach, although he never gets credit for things like this. Nate was not scoring, but was doing lots of other good things out there, so Doc left him in. Leaving him in sent a clear message about what Nate needs to give this team - and was a lot more effective than just telling him what to do...

agreed.

[vinnie]

I think "great" is going overboard. He was tremendous on defense, but he still cannot make a shot to save his life, and isn't that a big reason why he is here? It is great that he contributed in another way last night, and if is shot continues to be off, he needs to do this to make a contribution to the team. If he doesn't, he really should see little or no time when Delonte returns.

[Celtics18]

I think "great" is going overboard. He was tremendous on defense, but he still cannot make a shot to save his life, and isn't that a big reason why he is here? It is great that he contributed in another way last night, and if is shot continues to be off, he needs to do this to make a contribution to the team. If he doesn't, he really should see little or no time when Delonte returns.

I don't think he'll get pushed out when Delonte returns.  When West gets back, we should have a decent five man bench of West, Robinson, Daniels, Davis and Perkins/Shaq (the debate rages on about who will ultimately be the starter and who will be the bench guy at the center position).

Bye, bye Semih, Luke and Von.  Your contributions have been greatly appreciated.  See you in blow outs.

[Greenbean]

I think "great" is going overboard. He was tremendous on defense, but he still cannot make a shot to save his life, and isn't that a big reason why he is here? It is great that he contributed in another way last night, and if is shot continues to be off, he needs to do this to make a contribution to the team. If he doesn't, he really should see little or no time when Delonte returns.

I know I have been harping on this for a while now but his energy and on ball defense are also a big reason why is is here. He still cant shoot right now but on this team, maybe this other part of his gaem can affect the team's play even more.

And I still think eventually he will pick up his scoring (not just his shooting).

That being said, Delonte will still be the guy who will be relied upon every night to handle the ball on the 2nd unit. It will come down to either Wafer or Nate to fill out that 2nd unit backcourt. If Nate keeps this defense up, I pick Nate.

It's also nice to have these weapons in the playoffs. In 08, House came in out of nowhere to be the energy guy late in the playoff run. Last year Nate provided great energy in the Orlando series. This year maybe it can be Nate again...or maybe Wafer. I like having these guys around.

[Fafnir]

Nate secured an extra 4 or 5 possessions down the stretch by getting rebounds and steals. That's usually the sort of thing you see out of Rondo!

It reminded me of the 07-08 Celtics strangely enough, how Rondo would be on the bench during a lot of games late.

[pearljammer10]

I only saw the last 6 or so minutes of the game. So was Nate really playing that well, or was Rondo hurt? Or were we just up enough that Rondo didnt need to be in? Just curious.

I think it was a combination of all three.  Although, I don't think Rondo was any more hurt than he has been for the majority of the season.  Doc could have put him back in, but Nate's play meant he didn't have to.

That decision is a perfect example of why Doc is a great coach, although he never gets credit for things like this. Nate was not scoring, but was doing lots of other good things out there, so Doc left him in. Leaving him in sent a clear message about what Nate needs to give this team - and was a lot more effective than just telling him what to do...

Great stuff... Good for Nate. And props to Doc for giving him a boost through the media.