Celtics Title Town

The Atlanta game was such a microcosm for Celtics and Rondo fans.  In the first half, Rondo was ok on offense, and got torched on defense.  It may have been the worst half of basketball he has ever played, and it demonstrated that he has gained a reputation around the league as someone to take advantage of on offense.  Atlanta seemed to go at Rondo again and again, regardless of whom he was 'guarding', and they scored seemingly at will.  I even wondered if this was the end for Rondo.  It seemed that bad.

Then came the second half.   Rondo didn't just rise to the occasion.  He blew the doors off the occasion.  This was the Rondo we've waited for.  He was a lion on defense, all over the place at both ends, grabbing rebounds, attacking the basket, making great passes.  Celtics fans and Rondo fans were thrilled.  But why did this Rondo wait for the return of Avery Bradley to show up?   Well, we did see him from time to time before, but especially on the defensive end, Motivated Rondo seemed rare.  And this was to be HIS SEASON!!

Inevitably, one questions to another.  Now that the Rondo we've been waiting for is here, will that Rondo stay?  Or will we soon see the return of passive Rondo?  I suspect the team itself is wondering the same thing.  I think the Clippers game must have effected Rondo's teammates much the same way it affected some fans.   I wonder if it almost made his teammates give up on him a little.   And now that he's back, will he stay?

I've wondered if part of what has been going on with Rondo is that he has been concerned not to burn himself out early in the season, especially with Bradley gone.  If so, it actually makes a lot of sense, but the time is now to turn it on.   We'll see tonight, I guess