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December 17, 2007
Raging Rajon Shreds Raptors
The Celtics decisively defeated the Toronto Raptors Sunday afternoon, 90-77.
Scratch one more competitor.
It was a simple math calculation: A+B=C.
A) TJ Ford was out with a serious injury, courtesy of Al Horford's unintentional flagrant foul.
B) There was no one on the Raptors who could defend Rondo.
C) Rondo had his own way with the Raptors in the first half. It wasn't even fair.
Simply put, Rajon Rondo was sensational in the first half today. The only thing better than Rondo was the Celtics team defense. That was superb. Sensational and superb. Two strong adjectives. Both accurate.
My favorite play was a cross court pass to Rondo standing near the baseline 3 pt line. Instead of taking the open jumper, Rondo blasts to the paint and posts up Chris Bosh no less, with a great reverse lay-up right under his nose. Awesome move. Celtics up 46-28.
Earlier Rondo stole a pass, bolted right for the hoop, and lofted a perfect alley -oop for a Garnett one handed catch and slam .
Rondo twisted his way to a couple of other eye opening finishes. He also hit two open jumpers like they were lay-ups. If he finds the confidence to do this regularly, he will no longer be dropped off of, and he will still be able score his points.
Most every NBA guard can make moves like that once in a while. But putting together a series of moves as Rondo did tonight and is doing fairly regularly is showing that Rondo could end up being a special player and a top NBA point guard. The great ones do it night in and night out.
He has a way to go. That is for sure. But it is not as long a road as it looked at the beginning of the season. He is distributing much better now than then. His shot is coming around. At times, he can drive and score or dish with the best of them. The signs are there. It is up to Rondo to make it happen.
The Celtics started Tony Allen again with Ray Allen getting extra rest for his bruised ankle. He will be needed against Detroit on Wednesday. The Celtics started strong and with good defensive energy for the first time in while.
They led 27-17 after one and got it up to 40-19 by the 7:08 mark of the 2nd quarter. Toronto only had a ridiculous 21 points until the 4:21 mark heading towards the half. I say this because Toronto was playing good ball coming in. They were on a 4 game winning streak.
Granted, not having Ford hurts. But they are known as a team with 2 excellent point guards. Jose Calderon is known for getting as good results with the team when Ford is out, as Ford does. The Celtics' defense simply inflicts season lows (or near so) for teams on a regular basis when they cross paths. Teams leave with Celtic tire tracks across their backs.
Here is how bad it was for Toronto - they finished the half with a strong 17 to 10 run and still only had managed 36 points to the Celtics 50.
The Celtics out shot them 58% to 28% for the half. Paul Pierce led with 12 points. Rondo had 10 with 3 assists.
Pierce went to work right away against rookie Jamario Moon, and he delivered with 6 quick points. Pierce added 4 foul shots working over Moon's replacement, Carlos Delfino, giving him 10 points in the first quarter.
The 3rd quarter saw the Celtics build the lead to 20 after a Raptor run could only get them to within 12. Garnett scored 6 and got 4 each from Tony Allen and Rondo. Rondo hot a jump shot at the buzzer for his final points of the game (14).
Pierce received a technical after getting smacked across the face by Delfino on a drive and getting no call. It was noted by Tommy Heinsohn, but obvious to anyone watching, that Bosh was getting hometown calls and Pierce was getting...very little in return.
Glen Davis continued his NBA education, hustling on defense, playing fairly well, scoring a little, but attracting fouls like um...a rookie attracts fouls.
Jason Kapono started to get hot at the end of the 3rd. He continued in the 4th and the Raptors made another run of 7 straight points to get the lead down to 10 (71-61).
It is telling to see who responds to those moments for any team.
1) Garnett stroked his mid range jumper to stop the bleeding.
2) Pierce made a little turnaround after losing his defender to regain momentum.
3) House hit a confidence busting 3 pointer as the 24 second clock shot clock buzzer rang out to build the lead back up to 17.
4) James Posey grabbed 3 rebounds during this Celtic mini run.
5) The Cs were not challenged again. The Celtics are all contributing as a team.
Tony Allen continues to look like he's fitting right in. He played 44 minutes, had 10 points, 5 boards and played excellent defense again. Anthony Parker finished 2-8 and 6 points and 2 steals. Tony picked up a big steal to disrupt the Raps when made their run in the 4th.
Not to be considered an afterthought, Garnett's defense was once again the lynchpin of it all. His 16 points were 2nd to Pierce's 18, who led 7 Celtics in double figures. Garnett also led with 6 assists and had 8 rebounds. Mortal by KG standards, but once again, more than enough to win handily.
It is understood that a recovering Bargnani played only 10 minutes and Ford was absent. So some of what happened must be understood within that context. From a Celtic point of view, there was much to be pleased about.
Can these Celtics actually be getting better?
That is a scary thought for the rest of the league. What could a 20-2 team possibly do to get better?
They are winning with the three stars scoring less. They are winning with one of the stars out.
They are often holding leads with Garnett on the bench.
They are sometimes extending leads with Garnett on the bench.
The entire team is getting involved in the important parts of the game. They are playing more as a team every game.
Rondo is improving. Tony Allen is improving. Glen Davis is getting comfortable in his role. Kendrick Perkins is solid and steady. Eddie House is finding ways to help besides hitting the three. James Posey has been huge for this team.
James Posey
James Posey appears to be absolutely motivated. I don't believe that he was playing this kind of inspired ball last year. He has been really surprising to me. He feels that he is a bigger part on this team than he was in Miami. At least, it sounds like that from Doc Rivers comments about him. You can see it in the way he interacts with all of the other players.
No Longer Just the Big Three
The 'other' players (not named Pierce, Garnett or Ray Allen) as developing into part of the regular attack and hit big shots, make big passes, and get big rebounds. Defensively, the team is contesting most every shot. They are doubling - and doubling again on the same play..... often.
The team's overall effort is becoming more of a blend than at the start of the year. That only bodes well for the team as the year goes.
The Celtics biggest test of the season so far, comes this Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. That is one of only three teams (Cleveland and Orlando are the others) in the east that is playing well, and has the components to beat the Celtics. They appear to be the toughest hurdle for the Celtics' drive to the Finals. Everyone's eyes will be on that game, to measure the true ability of this Celtic team.
Posted by Tom on December 17, 2007 1:35 AM
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Comments
T, I am so impressed by their defense! I only get to see clips on espn.com and nba.com. From what I see, they rotate really quickly, they move their feet not just their hands, they contest shots, they're communicating really well. Even Paul has upped his defensive effort. I agree, barring injuries, they will get even better. Wednesday night against Detroit should be something!! Wish I was gonna be there. you will be right?
R
Posted by: R at December 17, 2007 12:49 PM
Hey Ron,
Wednesday is a pinnacle for the new Cs in some ways. Though it's not crucial that they win it. But it will show them just what they must do to beat a team like Detroit. Measuring stick night.
December's a tough month for me. I won't be able to make many of this month's games - Detroit included. I will rejoin the 'in house' festivities in January.
What a year this is shaping up to be.
peace,
T
Posted by: tenaciousT at December 18, 2007 12:29 AM
