NBA Finals (Game 5) Highlight, After-thought

The Lakers adds aggressiveness to their game ... bringing to the basket and scoring down low. In the first-half they come out firing and play with desperation. But in the second, their play are more conservative and scrappy at times. Pau Gasol is in attacking mode throughout. He and Lamar Odom plays mostly under the basket.

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With Kendrick Perkins out and Kevin Garnett in early foul trouble, the Celtics has lost their edge in the paint. Towards the end of fourth quarter, Garnett, PJ Brown and Pierce are playing with 5 fouls. But the C's is still in the game with one minute left, partly help by the scrappy defence by the Lakers.

With Rondo mostly on the bench, Lakers takes advantage of the lack of quickness in the PG position, repeatly attacking before the C's can setup their defence.

Pierce, who has played the whole game, has 38 points and 8 assists.

While it's now obvious that Celtics is the better team in this series, their window of winning it is actually closing gradually with their physical condition. For Perkins, even if he could play the next game, it will be tough for him to be effective with his strain shoulder which is the same one being operated previously. Rondo's bruise ankle has already taken away his aggressiveness since. The biggest fear is Pierce and his bum knee and twisted ankle. He will be irreplacable if he goes down.

NBA Finals (Game 3) Highlight

When Boston Garden is filled with died-heart fans, the Staples Center has their LA stars.

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

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As expected, the Lakers play with agressiveness. By getting to the paint, Kobe who scores 36 points is able to either making play or drawing foul. By doing so, they are getting high-pecentage shots. Had not been the poor free-throw shooting, the L's could have pulled away much early.

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Lakers have made adjustment by switching Kobe and Fisher to defend their counterparts. It creates a few mismatch opportunity early for their transition offence. It also enables Kobe to serve as help defence when he can temporary leave his man.

Kobe has done a better job in penetrating Celtics' defence scheme, by continue dribbing past the C's help defence into the gap and paint area.

Lakers' bench, Sasha Vujacic in particular, outscores Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined.

The Celtics, other than Ray Allen, has a poor shooting game. But their defence and Ray Allen's offence has kept it within striking distance. As poor as their shooting, they are still in the game with a minute left.

Pierce doesn't seem to have his quickness throughout the game, most possibly because of his knee still hurting. C's also misses Rajon Rondo down the stretch, bordered by sprain ankle.

NBA Finals (Game 2) Highlight

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

With the uncertainty of Pierce's right knee, the Celtics play with more urgency in the first three quarters. This is partly reflected in the disparity of free-throw attempt, 38-10 to their favour. But it is also to do with the somewhat surprising inexperience of the Lakers, unable to counter the momentum when needed and playing soft at time. It results a 22 points lead for the C's into fourth quarter. The C's then becomes complacent, and the L's is able to build on their momentum.

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Lakers' 41 points quarter is their largest against the Celtics in the playoff. This will give them psychological edge going back home. They have made a number of adjustment including establishing the post-game using Pau Gasol, and isolating Kobe at times to prevent C's defence help.

Celtics have played an efficient game, registered 31 assists and 52.9% shooting. The way they play is just nice to watch. It seems that the whole team, including the bench, is now peaking.

Pierce has 28 points and 8 assists. Leon Powe comes off the bench for 21 points. Rajon Rondo has 16 assists. Kevin Garnett and PJ Brown, in my opinion, are the unsung heros, defending the pick-n-roll and playing tough in the paint.

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NBA Finals (Game 1) Highlight

Every basketball individual is paying attention to this.

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The scene of NBA Finals on the parquet floor is almost surreal.

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In the third quarter, Doc Rivers pulls his team together during timeout and said, "when adversity comes, we get through it together as a team." This is after Paul Pierce injuries his knee, being carried off the court in extreme pain and taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. It takes the air out of the team and everyone else in the Garden. Lakers have a 4 points lead.

The C's gathers their thought after the timeout. For the next one plus minutes, we all witness Celtics' ubuntu. They steps up their defence and offence, stopping Kobe's shot and scores the next 6 points. This is beautiful basketball.

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Pierce's heroic return definitely gives the team a boost, not to mention his consecutive 3 pointers later on.

Other than Kobe, Fisher and Gasol, the rest of Lakers look nervous. On the contrary, the C's are much more composed. Garnett has 24 points and 13 rebounds, Pierce has 22, Ray Allen has 19, and Rondo has 15 points and 7 assists.

Eastern Conf Finals (Game 5) Highlight

This one goes to the wire. Celtics makes a 16-4 run in the second quarter and builds a 13 points lead after three quarters. But the Pistons fights back for the exciting finish.

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The Celtics' starters have played their best game, prompting Doc Rivers to shorten the rotation and play them most of the game.

Kendrick Perkins is a beast on the posts, graping 16 rebounds and scoring 18 points. Ray Allen has his best shooting game, making 5 of 6 3-pointers (scoring 29 points). Few of those are assisted by Rondo. He has 13 assists in total. The screen-n-roll set between Allen and Kevin Garnett have repeatly paid dividends. When the P's fails to close-in Allen, he makes them paid. Later when the P's blanket Allen, he rolls the ball to Garnett and KG makes his mid-range shots. Garnett has 33 points. With the C's game clicking in all cylinders, Paul Pierce compliments with his all-round game on both ends. He has 16 points.

In the final minute, with just 1 point lead and the C's inbounds from P's end, Allen and Garnett runs the screen-n-roll again. Only this time Garnett has set a hard pick, allowing Allen the space to make his shot and brings the lead back to 3. Nice play.

C's responds to P's physical play with physical. In game 4 the Celtics' offense gets thrown-off because they are intimidated by the physical plays. Tonight they are ready. As an indication, take a look at the rebound stats, C's has a 42-25 advantage.

On the negative side, the C's is still learning how to finish the fourth quarter. When the score gets uncomfortably close, they get passive and giving-up the lead. If there is a game 7, the C's must do a better job to finish it off.

Eastern Conf Finals (Game 1) Highlight

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One debate before this series is, whether playing long stretch in previous rounds will play a factor against the Celtics and, conversely, benefit the Pistons.

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As Game 1 turns out, the C's is playing in rhythm and with aggression, and their opponent looks a bit rusty. The C's has total of 27 assists and shooting at 52.2 percent.

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Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett combines 48 points. Rajon Rondo has 7 assists and 5 steals.

Celtics-Cavaliers Playoff (Game 5) Highlight

This is the best game of the series so far. Both teams have performed under pressure. With a strong third quarter and the crowd behind, Celtics are able to protect the margin to the finish.

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Lebron James has his best offensive game (35 points and 5 assists). But Rajon Rondo has counter Lebron's performance with his own 20 points, 13 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Not known for his shooting touch, Rondo makes consecutive 3 pointers in the second.

Critics have been over Doc Rivers' bench substitution in Game 4, in favouring Sam Cassell and Glen Davis instead of Eddie House and Leon Powe. Doc continues the same rotation in Game 5, but sticking with Rondo more instead of Cassell. Glen Davis' energy has also given the C's a lift.

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Both Kevin Garnett (26 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks) and Paul Pierce (29 points) have big game .

Celtics-Cavaliers Playoff (Game 1) Highlight

With Ray Allen failing to score and Paul Pierce getting just 4 points, the Celtics find a way to win the game. That's playoff basketball.

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Celtics' team defence crowds LeBron James into shooting 2 for 18 (12 points), while keeping the rest of the Cavs in-check, especially 3 Points FG (22.2%).

Kevin Garnett scores 28 to make up for an off-night for the rest of the Big Threes. Rajon Rondo scores 8 of his 15 points in first quarter, and Sam Cassell scores 8 of his 13 points in the fourth.

Rondo Being Transformed

Bill Simmons provides this observation.

From Boston's game against Detroit on Dec.19 to Game 2 of the Atlanta series Wednesday, the difference in Rondo's on-court demeanor is remarkable. But he is still identified as the little guy with few words.

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He never talks on the court, never bitches at the referees, never changes his expression. He demeanor is a sharp contrast to Garnett and rest of the team.

Not even when he learn that he is voted fifth on NBA Most Improved Player list.

Back in December, when Chauncey Billups abuse Rondo in the second half of an eventual defeat, the starting PG looks very green. It doesn't seem like he will be ready, at least this season.

But Rondo keeps getting better and better through the winter, and there is a pivotal moment in March when Rafer Alston gets physical with him on the opening tip and Rondo belts him back, then defiantly stands his ground, ready to trade punches in a nationally televised road game.

He has thrived in Game 2, controling the tempo, banging home open jumpers, barking orders at teammates, outplaying Mike Bibby for the second straight game.

Rondo's transformation draws comparison to Tony Parker, who is into similiar situation, improved mightily in his sophomore season and played a pivotal role for San Antonio's 2003 championship. Playing for the same stakes on a similar team, Rondo is further ahead of the '03 Parker, which gives us an indication of his potential and where he's sitting already.

In Rondo's case, there are two great "What ifs?": What if the KG and Allen trades never happened? And what if Phoenix had just drafted him in 2006 instead of selling the pick? Would Rondo have been better off or worse off in Phoenix backing up Nash? We'll never know, just like we'll never know if he would have matured into a potential All-Star without Garnett and company.

But we do know what we see, and here's what we see: someone who has noticeably improved as a shooter and a leader, someone who has emerged as an elite defender. The best thing you could say about Rajon Rondo is he brings a lot of stuff to the table and doesn't take much off it. The second best thing you could say is he's lucky enough to have influential teammates sitting at that same table.

Celtics-Hawks Playoff (Game 1) Highlight

After settling in the second-half, Celtics' defence force the Hawks shooting 38.2% FG and 21.4% 3-Pts.

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Rajon Rondo, in perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the night, thoroughly outplayed the man who has tied the Hawks together into a cohesive unit - Mike Bibby. Rondo finished with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, nine assists and six rebounds. He also applied enough pressure to frustrate Bibby, who had just one assist.

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In his first playoff game, Rondo is pretty poised (more). The Hawks repeatly dare him to shoot in the third quarter. Rondo takes the bait, and his first baseline jumper is an airball. He didn't back-off. Rondo makes his next three shots.

Kevin Garnett, who scores 16 points with 10 rebounds, and Ray Allen, who has 18 points, leads the team in rebound and scoring.

Celtics-Wizards Game (Round 4) Highlight

The Wizards and the Magics are the only teams who have won the season series against Celtics. They are currently seeded No.5 and 3 respectively for the playoff.

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Glen Davis left the game in the first half with a strained right hamstring, and Rajon Rondo left the game in the third quarter due to illness.

Celtics-Hornets Game (Round 2) Highlight

With this victory, the Celtics have beaten every team at least once this season. The last time that happens is in 1990-91. But the game alone is a statement game, avenging last weekend's loss in New Orleans.

Chris Paul paces the Hornets with 22 points and 10 assists. Rondo, who plays with sore right hamstring, gets 17 points and 4 assists.

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Celtics-Suns Game (Round 2) Highlight

Having play against the Pistons and then the Celtics back-to-back, Steve Nash gives his verdict, "It's a toss-up ... Both terrific teams; two of the favorites, that's for sure."

O'Neal said, "Both those teams ... you have to play damn near perfect basketball, especially at their place."

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A day after Rajon Rondo have put a SportsCenter move on Steve Nash, Rondo spent the afternoon watching practice from the stationary bike. He has tweaked his right hamstring at some point during the third quarter.

Rondo is optimistic to play tomorrow, against Chris Paul and his Hornets.

Celtics-Hornets Game Highlight

Rondo (23 points, 7 assists and 2 steals) has equalled the performance of Chris Paul (19 points, 7 assists and 2 steals). But CP, who play only 29 minutes because of foul trouble, has won the game with a pair of clutch jumpers.

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Celtics-Spurs Game (Round 2) Highlight

The anticipated match-up could potentially be a preview of the playoff Final, featuring Garnett vs Duncan; Rondo vs Parker; Ray Allen vs Ginobili; Pierce vs Bowen and the Celtics' bench vs the Spurs' bench.

It has not disappointed. Watch highlight (ESPN, NBA TV).

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Trailing by 22 early in second quarter, Celtics' energy and defence help them to get back in the game. Sam Cassell gets 12 in that quarter and cut the margin to 10. Rondo then picks it up in the third quarter. He gets 12 of his 20 and close the gap to 2.

Cassell’s 3-pointer with 46 seconds left gives the Celtics the lead for good, and Rondo adds a huge offensive rebound and hit two free throws after Cassell’s 3.

As for the match-up of PGs, Rondo has edged out Tony Parker on both ends of the court. Still, Parker is able to make a uncontested layup in the final seconds to make it a 2 points game.

Celtics-Jazz Game (Round 2) Highlight

Everytime the NBA TV has the Celtics on, we lose. Some coincident.

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(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Starting from this game and the next seven, Rondo is facing a bunch of marquee PGs. His first match-up is against Deron Williams. Using his size and strength, Williams pretty much get what he wants. 17 of his 32 points come from the FT line.

Frustrated by Williams, Rondo has an on-court verbal exchange with Paul Pierce who is on the bench.

With Ray Allen leaving game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, Doc Rivers run out of option for long range as the Celtics are only making 3 of 15.

Celtics-Pistons Game (Round 3) Highlight

With this win, the Celtics has become the first team to clinch a playoff spot. But more importantly, it gives them an effective 5 games cushion over the Pistons, including the homecourt tier-break.

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Celtics' struggle in defending Chauncey Billups continues. He scored 23 points, including 14-of-15 foul shots in the game. Rajon Rondo stays aggressive thoughout, perhaps too much on several occasions in which he attacks the basket without success. But Doc Rivers lets Rondo in the game to the end, and he is able to help increasing the lead. He draws a charging foul (and a technical) on Billups, that gives the Celtics an 82-77 lead. After a Pistons miss, Rondo gets the loose ball and throws it upcourt, where Pierce grabs it and put it in for an 85-77 lead.

Both Kevin Garnett (31 points) and Kendrick Perkins (20 rebounds) have a big game.

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Impact of Sam Cassell

Cassell's knack is hitting big shot. Celtics will need him when they struggle, especially in the final minutes of a close game. His size provides better match-up against bigger, more physical guards like Chauncey Billups. While he may be slow to guard quicker guards, the front line could protect him. With his relationship with Garnett back in Minnesota and with Ray Allen back in Milwaukee, he should fit-in quite nicely.

Bill Simmons thinks that Cassell is unique. "Sam casting his shadow over everyone and everything. There's nobody in the league quite like him. He knows everyone on every team, every referee, every coach ... He's constantly working the crowd, the officials, even other players. He's always up to something ... Sometimes he dribbles upcourt, notices a defender innocently running back to the other end, then lurches into the guy and flops to the floor (always drawing a foul)."

There is, however, some reservation. "Cassell's arrival could ruin Rajon Rondo's confidence, which is in the process of being battered by Doc Rivers' penchant for yanking his minutes around." It will be interesting to see how Rondo handles it.

The best-case scenario would be the Rondo-Cassell tandem working like Tony Parker and Speedy Claxton of the 2003 Spurs. Remember the '03 Spurs -- they had Duncan in his prime, Robinson at the end of his career, a not-quite-ready Manu Ginobili, a hit-or-miss second-year point guard (Parker) and a bunch of role players. Claxton's ability to right the ship during Parker's off-nights plays a significant role in winning the championship.

Analysing Offense

As I get more chance to watch Celtics playing, I understand their offense game a bit better.

Celtics' offence is essentially driven by ball movement to get good looking shot. They keep thing simple and not trying to be fancy. Their playbook is pretty much based on this mind set.

When Rajon Rondo is on-court, he frequently pushes the ball up challenging the other team's defence still being setup. He uses his speed trying to beat his counterpart, and if he sees opportunity, slashing to the basket or drawing quick foul. If this first option does not arises, and if time allows, they will move the ball, or else they will setup their play.

Other than the familiar plays of Give-n-Go and Screen-n-Roll (classis motion offense), one of the variation they occassionally run is known as the Dribble-drive Pentration. For the setup, firstly, there is no screens in order to create spacing for drives, and secondly, the post man ran to the weak side of the lane (instead of the ball side), leaving the ball handler an open driving path to the basket.

According to SI's article, Dribble-drive is tailor-made for today's high school and college teams, which favor speed in the absence of classic back-to-the-basket big men, but it isn't for everyone. It requires quick, smart and talented guards who have a feel for the game (like Rondo). It requires agile big men who can shoot from the perimeter and race downcourt (like Garnett). It requires deep benches and three-point shooters who can punish sagging man-to-man defenses and the inevitable zones.

There are some other NBA team, such as the Nuggets, that runs similiar play.

Celtics-Spurs Game Highlight

The winning record against the Western teams is still intact. Watch highlight (NBA TV).

Take a look at the defence stats, the Celtics kept the Spurs shooting at 44.3% overall, in which Tim Duncan is 10/20 and Manu Ginobili at 7/15. This is without the presence of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins.

Their replacement have played a solid game, by being physical defending Duncan and to avoid getting into foul trouble. In particular, Glen Davis has 8 rebounds (he also contributes 9 points and 3 steals). But it is his intangible play that is significant (read Steve Weinman's article). Tony Allen comes off the bench to help harass Ginobili into six turnovers.

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Doc Rivers' strategy of running game works very well, relying on young legs helped the Celtics to take 18 fast-break points. Rondo has 12 rebounds and 11 assists (only 1 turnover).

"We could not win this game if the pace slowed down at all," Rivers said. "We're not going to win a half-court game against the Spurs because we didn't have a post presence."