Series averages:
20.7 ppg, 11.8 apg, 6.3 rpg. 1.8 spg
Series percentages:
FG: 54.1%, 3pt: 33.3% FT: 65.9%
Series highs:
Points: 29 (Game 4)
Rebounds: 18 (Game 4)
Assists: 19 (Game 2)
Steals: 5 (Game 6)
We picked Rajon to go off in this series and he made us look real good by doing just that. You could tell right away that he was going to do just about whatever he wanted in this series with his 27 point, 12 assist Game 1 effort.
But what Rondo did goes beyond the numbers. Rondo changed the entire series because Cleveland targeted him as the weak spot in the Celtics offense and he killed them by not taking them up on their dare to shoot long jumpers. Instead, he used that space to either pick the defense apart with his passing or getting a running start into the lane. It's like a baseball team putting the shift on for David Ortiz and him peppering the green monster for 3 doubles and a home run.
All of a sudden, something the Cavs thought they'd easily have under control became a huge priority. They couldn't use Rondo's guy to roam and double because he'd just kill them with penetration. And, for good measure, he was hitting those 10-12 footers. When you can't double off Rondo against the Celtics, then you're going to have one hell of a time beating them.
Rondo didn't just dominate this series, he changed its entire complexion. He didn't will his team to wins like a Kobe Bryant might by just being too good and beating good defense. He led his team to wins by destroying every plan the opponent had laid out. It was quite impressive to watch.
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images