Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Actually, the Nets were merely a prop. The assault was as much against those who think Rondo is no longer an elite point guard, who think he is injury prone, a divo (the Italian word for a male diva) or a mercenary playing for a contract.
Some (or all) of those things may be true, but the Celtics don’t care. They are a different team when Rondo is distributing the ball and pushing tempo and imposing his will on the game.
See Rondo hit Kelly Olynyk with a textbook pass in transition. See Rondo fire a bounce pass to Tyler Zeller on the block for a slam. See Rondo decimate the Nets with a series of high pick-and-roll plays, including utilizing an Olynyk screen in the fourth quarter to rise up, appear as if he is about to drill a 14-footer, then hit a cutting Avery Bradley for a layup instead.
“Did you see how he picked that defense apart?” said a giddy Evan Turner, who had played only limited minutes alongside Rondo in preseason as he recovered from his broken hand. “He was unbelievable. He brings our team to a different level.”
“Rondo was classic,” lauded Kevin Garnett, who still looks miscast in a Nets uniform. “I don’t know what he said he was, 89, 83 percent? That’s a hell of an 83 percent.”
ESPN Boston – Jackie MacMullan
Rajon Rondo is getting praise from everyone and anyone following last night’s masterful performance against the Nets. Hell, I bet even Gary Tanguay pulled out his #9 footy pajamas from the bottom of his dresser drawer last night.
Except for the awkward pre-game address to fans (and 4 missed free throws), Rondo was brilliant. It was the kind of performance you want to clone for the remaining 81 games.
For those who gasped when Rondo came up limping in the 4th quarter, breath easy because it was just a knee bump.
I was categorizing last night’s performance as an anomaly until I heard Chris Mannix drop big praise during the CSNNE post game show:
One game and all that…but Boston showed something tonight. Very aggressive defense and an effective fast paced offense…Rondo’s special.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) October 30, 2014
Is it too late to add 15 wins to my season preview prediction?
Related: YouTube – Full Rondo highlights | WEEI – A superstar is born again, Rondo rises | Herald – Rondo doesn’t miss a beat | CSNNE – Rondo a big part of win | Globe – Rondo back to old self
On Page 2, there’s still a lot of love for Kevin Garnett.
“Listen, I was so upset,” Garnett said after his Nets lost to the Celtics, 121-105, in both teams’ season opener. “I didn’t even get to really, really get Gino in my system.
“My low moment for the night, you know what I mean?
“Gino is a big part of me, and I didn’t even get to celebrate it,” added KG. “But I’m still a huge Gino fan.”
“It’s always special coming back here into Beantown, hearing the things,” said Garnett, who received a huge pregame ovation when he pounded his chest and pointed to the crowd — his crowd still.
“It’s very hard to focus, you know. I had to go to yoga this morning, get my meditation right, stay level. Lot of energy in the building. It’s always good to come back here. I love Beantown. I’m always bleeding green. Y’all know what it is.”
Had chills listening to the crowd cheer Garnett during introductions. Whether he’s hugging Rondo or jawing with Kelly Olynyk, my love for Ticket is eternal.
And with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 23 minutes, KG can still play.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Visions of C’s win dance in KG’s head | Celtics trigger options on Zeller, Olynyk, Sullinger | CSNNE – C it again: KO buzzer beater | Herald – First night fun for Celtics | Smart steals opening show |
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