Garnett, Rondo Helps Revive Boston; Rivers for Coach of the Year?

Before the all-star break, the Boston Celticswere considered done by almost the entire NBA. It was warranted since Boston entered the break on a five-game losing streak and has lost seven of their last eight games. To make things even more difficult for the Celtics is that their players have been bogged down by numerous injuries. After the break, though, a different Boston showed up reminding everyone that they are not done yet. The renewed hope in Beantown is definitely a good sight for owners of Boston Celtics tickets, who have been very supportive of their team this season.

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The emergence of Boston once again as possible title contenders also coincides on the rejuvenation of veteran and future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett as well as three-time all-star Rajon Rondo.

Celticscoach Doc Rivers moved Garnett to the center position at the start of the second half of the season mainly because of the season-ending injury to starting center Jermaine O’Neal. Owners of Boston Celtics tickets, though, did not think at the start that the move would revive the team but with how things are happening, it’s certainly one of the reasons. Over the past 26 games that Garnett played starting center for the C’s, he has averaged 17.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on that stretch. Rivers, though, pointed out that the team’s turnaround is not solely based on the position move of Garnett but his play makes it hard not to notice.

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Rondo has been in and out of the lineup for the C’s due to injuries and was even suspended for two games during the first half of the season. He was not even selected by the coaches to be a reserve in the all-star game which shows that his play at that time wasn’t that good. Rondo was chosen as an injured replacement to Joe Johnson in the reserve squad. After the all-star break, though, Rondo has been on a roll especially in setting up his teammates. In the past 25 games, Rondo had double digit assists in all but two games. His streak of double digit assists has now reached 18 consecutive games, which is the longest in the past 20 years.

During this amazing run of Boston, they made two statement wins over the reigning Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat. The first win was a blowout in Boston where Rondo registered a triple double, 16 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds. It was Boston’s defense which made the difference on that game. The most recent win in Miami, meanwhile, featured offense. The win showed that Boston can score with the best of them. Garnett was the star of that game putting up 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Miami certainly had no answer for Garnett on the perimeter as he was able to connect on 11 of 14 shots.

With the way Boston has been playing, it begs a question: Is Doc Rivers among the frontrunners for the Coach of the Year? Rivers certainly makes a good case especially with the masterful job he has done this season for Boston.

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