The picture above says it all. The Rajon Rondo show hit Boston last night, and the Celtics 2nd year point guard absolutely stole the spotlight over fantastic games from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
KG's double-double was as dominating as he has been all season. Even Pierce's voracious D (and team-high 29 points) was a different gear from where he has been at any point in the season- punctuated by a highlight reel dunk off of sweet give n' go with KG in the 4th quarter that really shut the door on the Cavs.
But for my money, I say Rondo's 20/13 points/assists defined this win. Not to mention his defense on Delonte West including a magnificient hustle play to block West's layup following a Celtics turnover (gee, why did we get rid of West and keep Rondo the rookie?). Despite his diminutive size compared to the others on the court, Rondo was a mismatch all night long- his speed and aggressiveness against the plodding Cavs defenders were on display and if he keeps it up, the Celtics might just win their first road game of these playoffs. And not too soon.
Like the song says, "It's been awhile...", but I had some thoughts on the current sports landscape, so...
Here's the thing about the Pats... why issue a bitter press release, scolding the media for alleging they taped the Rams walk-through when all this time (and for years previously) they remained stoic like their leader (Belichick) in the face of any criticisms? I ask this as a lifelong Pats fan too (i.e., I have lived/breathed this team for 30 years). Why get ornery now? Move on and try for 19-0 again, end of story.
After watching the Celts' lackluster defensive performance in the final 2 minutes in Game 4 (and almost 10 minutes of horrific offense from both teams) I am concerned about tonight's game. Though I am not panicking because *gasp* LeBron had a big dunk to punctuate the Cavs comeback in this series.
I wonder if the NHL could pull an unprecedented move by anointing the Pens and Wings the Conference Champs today and letting the Stanley Cup Final start this weekend? Would that not be the greatest moment in the NHL this decade? Heck, it would at least give them as much press as the Pens/Sabres outdoor game this past season. G'head, anoint their a$$es.
Anyone who knows me personally, knows I am a big hockey fan. I have grown up playing the game (still do to this day) and appreciate it for its physicality, grace, and speed- a combination not found in any other sport.
Anyway, this time of year is amazing because the playoffs are a week and change away and the playoff contenders are already beating the snot out of each other.
Despite the NHL's "popularity" this time of year, I saw the following picture and it reminded me why I started playing hockey in the first place. Bobby Orr was my first sports idol and continues to be one of those players that I admire for his two-way play, leadership and toughness. This is a shot of him I (strangely) had not remembered seeing before. It really sums up one of the greatest players to ever put on a pair of skates and embodies the best qualities of all the elite NHLers... physicality, grace, and speed.
His form is perfect, his intensity and concentration unparalleled at that moment and the shot screams at you to actually feel the movement and pace as Orr streaks to/with the puck- something he did as well as any player... ever. This picture really embodies the game and I would offer it to anyone who asks what is so special about the NHL. Well, this was 30 years ago and the game has not slowed down since.
