NBA Playoffs 2011: Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo Is the Key Against New York

When the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics face off tonight at 7 PM ET on TNT, most of the focus will be on two matchups—Kevin Garnett against Amar'e Stoudemire and Paul Pierce against Carmelo Anthony.

Those matchups of star forwards promise to be exciting, but it's the matchup of Rajon Rondo and Chauncey Billups that will likely decide the series.

While the departure of Kendrick Perkins in the trade for Jeff Green has undoubtedly hurt the Celtics, it is Rajon Rondo's struggles that have contributed the most to the Celtics' late-season woes.

Rondo, the man typically considered the Celtics' most valuable player because of his impressive playmaking skills as well as his All-NBA-quality defense, has simply not been the same player after the All-Star break.

Some point to injuries, as Rondo has been banged up during the second half of the year. Injuries or not, the Celtics need him to step up in a series where he can truly shine.

Simply put, the Celtics tend to go as Rondo goes.

When he's on his game, everything flows well, on offense and defense, and Boston is nearly unbeatable. Offensively, Rondo's playmaking makes the game easier for everyone on the floor, as he sets up the "Big Three" for open shots by drawing the defense into the paint with his penetration skills.

On defense, Rondo has paired extreme quickness with long arms to become one of the most disruptive guards in the league. 

Against Chauncey Billups, a former NBA All-Defensive Team selection who has slipped significantly in the last few years, Rondo should be able to attack the rim at will and capitalize on the Celtics' biggest offensive advantage. With his trademark speed and array of moves in the paint, he can wreak havoc if he plays aggressively.

Unfortunately for the Celtics, it isn't clear whether Rondo will play to his full potential this series. He has slipped significantly in recent months.

During the Celtics' impressive 40-14 first half, Rondo shot better than 50 percent from the field, averaged over 12 assists per game and locked down some of the best point guards in the league.

However, in a 16-12 finish, Rondo saw his shooting percentage drop to 43 percent, lost nearly three assists per game from his season average and is simply not playing with the same fire.

Against a talented New York Knicks team that had a seven-game winning streak just before the season ended, the Celtics need to use any advantage they can get. Rajon Rondo is that advantage, and he must play like his earlier-season self if Boston wants to avoid a first-round upset.