2010 NBA Playoffs: Nate Robinson Emerges as the Boston Celtics' Unlikely Hero

It was a scary moment when Rajon Rondo hit the floor awkwardly, after attempting to go up strong to the basket, in the Celtics' 96-84 win over the Magic on Friday night.

The Celtics' arena was mesmerized as they watched what looked like all chance of winning another championship slowly come to an end.

The fans started chanting “Rondo,” and it was a good sign when the All-Star point guard finally got up and went to the charity stripe to take his free throws, but then he went to the bench and laid on the floor with an ice pack taped to his rear.

Enter Nate Robinson, the small guard who was often criticized when he played for the Knicks because he always tried to attempt to turn each game into a sideshow.

Robinson ended up being a huge part in why the Celtics were able to win, though. He was able to score 13 huge points and, more importantly, allowed the Celtics to gain momentum that pushed the game almost out of reach by halftime.

This is a guy who was able to score over 40 points against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this season but managed to ride the bench most of the time he was in Boston. Yet, once things started rolling for him during the game, he acted like a Boston native and really got the crowd going.

Beyond that, there was also new maturity that showed on the court, and that was leadership.

While Rondo was out, Robinson was able to also make some great passes and, most importantly, play some great defense. No one ever argued the talent that this player had, and combining that with this new maturity he gained by sitting on the bench, the result was a player that deserved another chance.

Last night's game proved that Robinson can still play the game of basketball but that he needs the right team around him. In many ways, he would be a good fit for the Lakers. Derek Fisher is a great point guard, but bringing in the young Robinson would add an extra spark to the team.

With the great talent of the Lakers and with his personality, he could help bring the Staples Center to their feet. Imagine him stripping the ball away from a defender and then setting Kobe up for a dunk. The place would go crazy.

If he can play like he played last night, then there is no telling what he can do. That’s the only issue; however, there are a lot of “ifs” when his name is brought up.

For the immediate future, though, Robinson and the Celtics' only focus will be setting those Staples Center fans squarely in their chairs, distressed as they watch the Celtics work toward their 18th NBA title.