Rajon Rondo Suspended: Celtics Star Must Sit for Game 2 After Chest-Bumping Ref
The Boston Celtics were dealt a tremendous blow on the heels of an infamous bump, as Rajon Rondo has reportedly been suspended from Game 2 vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
The NBA on ESPN reports via Twitter that Rondo has been suspended from playing in a crucial Game 2 on Tuesday:
"NBA announces 1-game suspension for Celtics guard Rajon Rondo. He'll miss Game 2 vs. Hawks.
—The NBA on ESPN (@NBAonESPN) April 30, 2012"
Rondo said there was no intent behind his now-famed chest bump of referee Marc Davis, although it's hard for many with the gift of vision to concur with his assessment.
It's clear that Rondo bumped Davis, and the one-game suspension was well-warranted and in accordance with NBA rules.
That is hardly the big issue now, because what's done is done.
Ramifications
Now comes a Game 2 that is a must-win for a Celtics team that would hardly have the steam to contend after an arduous series.
This isn't the youngest team in the Association, and one long-winded marathon would serve to kill any hope the Celtics have at one last ride into NBA Finals glory.
Losing Rajon Rondo—even for one game—has a tremendous impact on a team that begins and ends with his tenacity on both ends of the court.
Boston has slowly turned into Rondo's team, and the supporting cast will now have to carry the heavy load.
Players Who Must Step Up
This is hardly the time to lose a backcourt general when a sharpshooter is already ailing. The Boston Globe reports Ray Allen will again be doubtful for Game 2, exacerbating a tenuous situation.
The burden now lies on this squad's vets to negate the surging Hawks for one night. Kevin Garnett had a decent stat line, but was outplayed through the early goings by Josh Smith.
It's now that much more crucial to depend the paint and perimeter, and Paul Pierce simply has to be better than 12 points on 5-of-19 from the field.
Analysis
You simply don't give away a playoff game. Rondo may have done just that when he chose to impart his frustrations onto a referee, taking away the Celtics' best for Game 2.
The Celtics already lacked depth, and now they have their most dominant player watching from the sidelines.
The Hawks will now dominate the rest of the series, sending the Celtics into a tumultuous summer.
