Venting

Other than the Celtics being possessed last night, there were several key factors contributing to their dramatic win against the Lakers.

I have a bunch of pent up things to say so bare with me:

(1) It seems like the first quarter always starts off with 6 straight Celtics points in every game and this game started off the same way--once again, Garnett hits a field goal to start off the game. Can the Lakers start off a bit better next game?

(2) Garnett is playing like the vintage Garnett, and that's almost impossible to stop regardless of what jersey he has on.

(3) Grand theft Rondo is amazing. I have tried to repel the Rondo craze and overlook his intangibles but there is no way I could do this any further. Rondo is one of the most phenomenal point guards to watch--the kid can't shoot nearly as well as the other 29 starting point guards, but he is still uncontainable. I am thoroughly convinced that he is the best when it comes to finishing a lay up, regardless of where he is around the hoop. He shows a Usain Bolt quickness when he's on a breakaway. I don't even think his dribbling skills is at his peak but his speed outweighs any of those flaws. He will fight for every possession--just like how he got a tip in over the Lakers Forwards last night (he jumped over everyone to tip a put-back when he was about seven feet away!). Rondo is unselfish and patient--sometimes erratic but mostly patient. He is tough. Rondo pushed Artest after Garnett was unnecessarily pulled to the ground and Rondo went to defend the Big Ticket. When it comes down to it, he's the MVP of the team.

(4) Pierce was unable to miss. It seemed that everyone who guarded him put up a great defensive stretch--he just made his shots. I don't know if Pierce could do that in the Staples Center, but if he is able to--Artest better start playing a bit dirtier.

(5) The Lakers looked scared. They were not composed. There were points where I was even laughing at the ball-handling of some of the players. As John Candy once said in Cool Runnings, "You better stay loose out there!"

(6) Perkins brought up the ball and was called for a charge!

(7) Jackson was still composed throughout the entire game--he even taunted the Celtics in his huddles, explaining how they know how to give games away.