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.
“It’s very frustrating, in particular this game,” Rondo said. “If I make my free throws, I think we win the game.”
Rondo hit side iron on his first late-game attempt, then found back iron on the other. Boston made a season-high 22 freebies during Friday’s game, but missed seven attempts, with Jared Sullingermissing a pair late as well.
Pressed on his woes, Rondo admitted he’s at a loss for his poor percentage.
“I don’t have a clue really, still trying to figure it out,” he said. “I continue to work on my game and especially get some more free throws up.”
Coach Brad Stevens has said that Rondo frequently has returned to the team’s practice facility after games to work on free throws in hopes of solving his issues. A team with a thin margin for error, the Celtics absolutely need Rondo to be confident at the stripe to help their chances of pulling out the sort of wins that have evaded them to this point.
I thought Rondo’s free throw woes bottomed out with the 2-10 performance against Phoenix.
Wrong.
When Rondo checked into the game with 7+ minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, he was very aggressive. Unfortunately, nothing went his way.
Check out this stat line: 1-8 FG, 0-2 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 TO, and 1 steal. The missed free throws were the cherry topping on the crap sundae.
While I’m encouraged to hear that Rondo is working hard on his free throw shooting, I’m a bit terrified about the mental aspect of this problem. Kevin O’Connor of Celtics Blog wants Rondo to start seeing a sports psychologist. Good luck to the guy who has to crack Rondo’s personality.
Rondo needs to nip this problem immediately or we’re going to start seeing Hack-a-Rondo in the 4th quarters of close games. How many GMs, Danny Ainge included, are going to hand over $80 to $100 million dollars to a point guard who gets the yips at the free throw line?
On Page 2, Joakim Noah is the most annoying player in the NBA.
Noah on TD Garden: “I love playing in Boston. People here really know basketball. They talk a lot of (expletive).” #celtics #bulls
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) November 27, 2014
The combination of the bun, the screaming, and the whining make me hate Joakim Noah more than any player* in the league right now. The biggest smile of my day happened when Noah blew that easy dunk.
But that sob is a helluva player: 15 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 6 assists.
*My hate for Kobe has morphed into pity. Poor guy is playing out the final minutes of his glorious career on the shittiest of shitty teams.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Optimistic Turner has seen this before | Sully’s afternoon takes sour turn | Herald – Playing it Smart | New jerseys a mixed bag | Celts can’t close deal | Globe – Celtics falter at finish | CSNNE – Sullinger: You don’t have to worry about confidence | Bass makes most of time off bench |
