Bulls Are Different Animal Without Rondo
By Alex Eddy
The Celtics must continue to take advantage of the lack of playmaking Chicago has without Rondo.
The Bulls had 22 assists and 28 assists in Game 1 and Game 2 respectively. Those were both victories, and both those victories involved Rajon Rondo. The Bulls had just 14 assists in their Game 3 loss. Yes, that is how many assists Rondo delivered himself in Game 2 alone.
The Bulls haven’t just lost their starting point guard and playmaker, they have lost a player who has started in 96 career playoff games with the Celtics, Mavericks, and Bulls. There is a lot of pressure on second-year man Jerian Grant, and former rookie of the year, Michael Carter-Williams to make up for this tremendous loss. Rondo not only brings playoff experience, but he brings playoff leadership, savvy, rebounding, defense, and an incredible basketball IQ.
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Grant did not record a single assist in Game 2, while Carter-Williams had three assists. The two point guards also combined for seven turnovers. If the Bulls want to get a victory in Game 4, they will need much better production from the point guard position. Perhaps we may see some Cameron Payne in Game 4.
Grant and Carter-Williams both bring length to the table, as they are both bigger point guards. If they are unable to be legitimate factors on the offensive end, then they may have to focus their attention and energy on the defensive side. Using their length to disrupt passing lanes and to contest perimeter jump shots from the Celtics.
The Celtics will need to continue to take advantage of the loss of Rondo in Game 4. The absence of Rondo is a complete game-changer in this series. Look for the Celtics to continue to put pressure on the young point guards of the Bulls. Game 4 is a must win for the Celtics, as they desperately need to even this series up at 2-2.
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As noted, you may see some Cameron Payne in this game, and Jimmy Butler may even run the offense at times. Butler had his worst game of the series in Game 3, with only 14 points on 7-21 shooting from the field. Expect Butler and Wade to carry the offensive load for the Bulls in Game 4. However, if the point guard play for the Bulls is the same in Game 4 as it was in Game 3, the Celtics should even up this series.