Rajon Rondo sure had some intriguing moments with Doris Burke of ESPN in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night.
During the half-time interview, Rondo was asked, “what holes are you guys exploiting in this defense?” His answer was a surprising call out against the Heat, saying “them complaining and crying to referees in transition”, as you will see in the video below.
(via youtube user nbaus3030)
Indeed, shots were fired. The Heat players will surely hear of this gem of a comment, and as the Indiana Pacers learned in the semifinals, you do not want to wake up any sleeping giants.
But that’s not all. After Boston tied up the series against Miami with a 93-91 victory(Boxscore here), Rondo, who had a fantastic night with 15 points, five rebounds and 15 assists, addressed his half-time comment again. For some reason, he didn’t seem too pleased with Burke afterwards, perhaps thinking she was setting him up for a fine. Check the video below, and if you have great lip-reading abilities, please do share the dialogue.
(via youtube user zmorganII)
It was certainly a bizarre scene, but what’s really worth discussing is the majestic play of Rondo, who is doing far more than just trash talking in this series, averaging 24 points on 54.1% shooting, seven rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.3 steals through the first four games. The Heat, for the most part, have found no answers to contain the engine of the Celtics’ offense.
In fact, Rondo’s accomplishments are starting to become, wait for it, legendary. He is currently tied with Bob Cousy for most 10-plus assist games in Celtics postseason history with 38, a record that is all but his to own. He also has 13 10-assist games this postseason, which is three more than the entire league. If he continues to play at such a high level, he just may prove the doubters wrong and help the Celtics reach the NBA Finals once again.
For Serge Ibaka’s cuff dunk, click here.
For Kevin Garnett’s knuckle push-ups, click here.
James Park is a regular contributor and blogger for SheridanHoops.com. You can follow him on twitter @nbatupark.
The word fine is obviously said by Rondo. I am more curious if that was an apology by Burke.
I don’t think he heard her wrap-up comment, when she said, “Your play backed you up.” It looks like he asks, “Fans?” as in “My fans backed me up?” All Doris whispers (so gently) into his ear is that final comment: “Your play backed you up.” And, for clinching clarity: “Your PLAY.” Please move along. No controversy to see here.
“you tryin to get me fined?”
Think he’s asking her, “You talking bout a fine?”