Rondo, Pierce, and Garnett Were Perfect in All Star Game

Rondo went out last night on the big stage of 108 thousand (108 THOUSAND) people and did what he does on any other night. He passed the ball well, played within his own game, and always seemed in control. Of these three things, the thing I was the most impressed with is how Rondo was not phased by the bright lights. He took the floor and hit his first shot, which was a jumper not a layup. His other points came from a stolen inbounds pass, where he received the ball for an easy lay in. There were some players on the floor who looked lost tonight (David Lee) and I had a feeling it may take a minute for Rondo to get adjusted. Nope, not one second. He finished with 4 points / 5 assists / 1 rebound.

Pierce went out and started right where he left off last night, by hitting a 3 off the bench. The Truth didn’t get much playing time, and we expected that before the tip when they made the statement that both Pierce and KG were likely to not see the floor much as they told Van Gundy before the game to limit their minutes. As much of an idiot as he can be, Van Gundy did just that and respected them by only playing Pierce for less than 12 minutes.

We had a poll the other day as to what Pierce should participate in this weekend. Final results were that Paul should not participate in anything and he should rest his foot. I myself voted on that option as well. As I look back… it was great that he played in both. I’m telling you, you heard it on Hardwood Houdini first, there was something special about this weekend, and part of that was Pierce winning the 3 point competition. Something, not quite sure what it is yet, but something about him winning that and putting that game face on and smiling, while being glad to be on the basketball court this weekend… I think it changed things. He didn’t put much strain on his foot, and surely got some rest out of in in this 5 day stretch.

As for Garnett, he also only participated in 12 minutes. For KG this weekend as well felt like it was a shift in momentum. He was smiling, and having a good time. He was out cheering on a team mate in Pierce during the 3 point contest. For the first time in a long time he showed a little emotion when the East team won. We want the old KG back- the one who yells and screams, and hits the ball on his head / comes to center court and raises the balcony to their feet / gets on the floor and crawls like a gorilla / claps in the face of Calderon. Give me that KG for the 2nd half of the season and I guarantee you a championship. The Celtics need that and not the KG who always has to sit in the conference room after the game explaining to the media how he has no idea what the problems are with the team.

For those reasons, despite how none of these players really went out and put a lot of numbers down on paper, it was the perfect all star game, and perfect all star break. I am sensing very good things, and as are alot of other Celtics fans out there.

(Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /  (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images) / (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)