Rondo takes shot at the Heat, barely prevails

Rondo has always been a bit of an enigma to Kentucky fans, but there was nothing mysterious about his comments during halftime in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. When asked what aspects of the Heat defense Rondo was exploiting, he answered: “Them complaining and crying to the referees in transition.”

The Heat are often questioned in regards to their attitudes, but rarely so openly criticized by an opposing player. To his defense, Rondo’s first half was incredible. Dishing for 10 assists in 24 minutes affords the young man a certain candor. His Celtics took a 14 point lead into the break, but someone must have informed the Heat of Rondo’s challenging comments. As if they were motivated by nothing more than Rondo’s halftime utterance, Miami staged a mesmerizing run, totally shutting down Boston’s offense. They evened the game for an enthralling 4th quarter and overtime period.

Boston went on to win with a meager two-point advantage in overtime, and Rondo finished the game with a remarkable 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Despite Miami’s staggering defense and Rondo’s subsequent second-half slump, he didn’t want to retract his previous criticisms. “What I said was true,” Rondo added. “I don’t take back what I said. That’s what it is.”

The Celtics may have cut it much closer than anyone in Boston would have preferred, but Rondo’s right. He won, the series is now tied 2-2, and whether a 20-point blowout or a two-point squeaker, it is what it is.