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 that decision-making that has lifted Rondo’s game into the upper stratosphere of elite point guards.
“He’s light years [ahead of where he was], but a lot of that is just age, maturity,” Rivers said. “The other part of it is system. He’s been in the same system his entire career. I thought Game 3 was the best play-calling game in his career. He was like [Jason] Varitek as far as calling the right pitch. He was phenomenal. That’s where he’s improved. He know what I’m thinking. He’ll call a play and you can sit down and it’s terrific.”
WEEI: Rivers on Rondo: He's our Varitek
I'm excited by the fact that Rajon Rondo is still maturing... still learning. The more this kid sees, the more he'll store away for the future. The next time he sees the same situation, he'll know what to do.
And 3 years from now, when the Big 3 are gone and it's only Rondo's team, he can impart his knowledge on the guys around him. It won't matter who the head coach is... Rondo will be the coach on the floor.
Rondo's progression will obviously help the Celtics in these playoffs... but just wait until this kid REALLY figures it out.
On Page 2, how this Celtics team can do what no other has done.
Now consider this: Boston has swept only four best-of-seven series. Ever.
The Big Three, both old and new. Hondo and Rondo. Sam Jones and K.C. Jones. "Mr. Clutch," "Satch" and "Nellie."
Despite all the talent that has passed through the Garden(s), Boston has completed only four sweeps in 85 best-of-seven series. Three came during Larry Bird's tenure (1980, 1981 and 1986) and the other in the 1959 NBA Finals against Minnesota.
What's more, Boston has never completed a first-round, best-of-seven series sweep. It has a chance for a bit of franchise history Sunday when it tangles with the Miami Heat in Game 4 (ABC, 1 p.m.) at the American Airlines Arena.
It's just amazing to think that with all of those dominating Celtics teams, only 4 have swept 7 game series. And if Larry Bird never walked through those doors, it probably would only be 1.
I'm feeling the sweep here. I think these guys understand what that extra rest means for them.
Plus, it's earth day weekend. The Celtics are an environmentally conscious team. They don't want another jet flying up and down the eastern seaboard. Let's think of mother earth for a minute... and keep that Miami plane grounded by knocking Miami out today. Its the right thing to do.
The rest of the links:
Herald: No reason to pack bags | Celtics finally switched on | Ray Allen keeps Dwyane Wade busy | Globe: Finley still delivering the goods | Wade says he'll give it his best | C's direct this question to the floor | A band with more rhythm | ESPN Boston: Road closings | 10 Celtics-Heat game 4 nuggets | The big 4? | Souza: Allen in a groove | WEEI: Pierce: It's a must win | Celtics Blog: Pierce goes from steady to spectacular | Gino's Jungle: Has the switch been flipped? | North Station: Lakers are reeling.. how's it feel? | Gang Green: Gang Green with The 2 Man Game
Hey... just want to give a quick shout out to Mark, who I met at Atlantic Beer Garden last night. Thanks for introducing yourself. I always get a kick out of someone coming up to me and recognizing me from this blog. Thanks for reading.