Can Rondo Be Effective for the C's???

05/09/11

After Game 3's terrible scene, where he dislocated his left elbow it was almost certain that he would be done for the remainer of the playoffs.

He came back the same game. Unbelievable to even comprehend.

After dislocating the elbow, the pain alone would make it almost unbearable to dribble with your other hand, let alone steal the ball and dunk it.

Rajon Rondo's toughness gave the Celtics a much needed boost, and lead his team to victory over the Miami Heat in Game 3.

To me Derrick Rose is to the Chicago Bulls, as Rajon Rondo is to the Celtics. When they go, their teams go. Rondo is the motor that runs that team, and has clearly inspired his teammates to play even tougher.

Future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett had this to say about Rondo: "All of us sort of looked at each other like, 'What is he doing out here?"' Garnett said. "He's showing a lot of heart (and) a lot of grit. We see it. That doesn't go unspoken or unseen. We see he's out there giving his full effort. We're following that lead."

Coming back after only 1 day of actual full rest, can Rondo be effective for Game 4 tonight against the Miami Heat? Will he get enough minutes to even be effective, if so? A lot of questions surrounding the one man who could have the Celtics faith in his hands.

Another key for the Boston Celtics is getting big production from "The Big 3" Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Game 3 they combined for 70 of the 97 total pts scored. When Rondo can get them the ball with good looks, and they play good sound defense, that's what happens, they win.

The Celtics stingy defense held the Heat to a lousy 81 pts in Game 3. The defense of the Celtics forced the Heat to shoot 5-23 from 3 pt range (21%), and 42% from the field.

If the Celtics can protect their home court, the series will be tied at 2-2 heading back to Miami. If the Miami Heat can use their advantage and keep it a fast paced tempo, then the Heat will go home up 3-1 in the series.

This is the pivotal game of the series. A make or break type of game. Where big players step up.

This is going to be a tough grind-it-out game.

Who will take it??