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.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Celtics were 27-of-42 (64.2 percent) from the field over the 30 minutes 6 seconds that Rondo was on the floor Wednesday, accumulating 20 assists (13 of which belonged to Rondo) and finishing at plus-20 in the plus/minus during that span. Without Rondo, Boston was a mere 11-of-26 (42.3 percent) with only six assists and a minus-4.
Rondo could be seen stretching at the end of the Boston bench in the second half, trying to loosen up as he battles a sore left hamstring and plantar fasciitis. He looked a half-step slow defensively, which the Nuggets exploited with dribble-drive penetration (particularly in the first half). Rivers said he was unaware of any injury that might have cropped up, noting that team trainer Ed Lacerte would alert him on the plane to Philadelphia if there was something to be concerned about.
Amazing how Rondo can be visibly hampered by injury, yet still dominate offensively.
Early in the game, Rondo drove into the paint and was swallowed up by a swarm of bodies. He disappeared from our view in Section 20. And then... bang. A crisp pass is delivered to Ray Allen for an open three pointer.
I'd put the chances of Rondo playing tonight vs Philly at 20%. I'd even sit him for Saturday night's game vs Charlotte. That will give him a week off before next Wednesday's game vs the Knicks.
On Page 2, KG talks with George Karl about his "cancer" comment.
He didn’t issue an apology to Charlie Villanueva, or admit to telling the bald Detroit Pistons forward he looked “like a cancer patient” back on Nov. 2, but Kevin Garnett felt bad enough about perception that he tried to set the matter straight with George Karl after last night’s Celtics [team stats]’ 105-89 victory at the Garden.
The Denver Nuggets coach survived a harrowing bout with throat cancer, after recovering from prostate cancer in 2005.
"I went up to him as a man and said I had nothing personal toward him or any other cancer patients that was out there struggling, dealing with life situations,’’ said Garnett.
“I wanted to say that to him, man to man. I was going to do it before the game, but I (decided) to get the game out of the way, and then approach him.”
“It was very good,” Karl said. “He was a man about it, and I appreciate him taking the time to do it. Kevin is one of my favorite people in this league.”
Herald - Garnett sets things straight
Class move by KG.
Related links: Globe - KG offers explanation | Karl's wisdom learned the hard way | Herald - Karl winner on/off the court | ESPN Boston - KG seeks out Karl |
The rest of the links:
Globe - 76ers thumbnails | Celtics take a little cruise | Herald - Celtics learn their lesson | KG shows why he's big ticket | ESPN Boston - First impressions | WEEI - Cs pocket 8th straight win | CSNNE - Rivers waited to tell team Melo was out | Garnett feels healthy, agile | Ailing Davis holds himself accountable | Daniels shrugs off thumb injury |