The storyline should have been Ray Allen's return, a matchup between two Eastern Conference powers  or Lebron James's first game in Boston since his game 6 assault. Instead it's about an ACL, a team left without it's leader and the possibility of the KG era ending in Boston. Times are certainly becoming bleak in Celtics nation as season crippling moments are just piling on and the promise of tomorrow is fading away. Before we explore the team going forward fan's should examine the truly inspiring battle witnessed today in the Garden.

The Celtics, without Rajon Rondo, can no longer be counted on as contenders for the NBA championship. Expecting this team to thrive in the playoffs is a stretch considering  the exertion and effort displayed in one game like today would be needed at least four times to even advance one round. The team could however prosper in the regular season and rally through the loss of their point guard and friend as most teams, like the bulls, have shown the capacity too do. Jeff Green put together a solid defensive effort, even though Lebron was able to hit the 30 point mark, while chipping in 11 points and 4 rebounds. Kevin Garnett was dominating all night long on both sides of the ball. Whether it was the 24 points he scored, the 11 rebounds he corralled or the three blocks and two steals he put together on the defensive end he had his way with the Heat and exposed their lack of a true inside presence.

Pierce put together a solid effort even though he continued to struggle with his shots. The game winner he hit couldn't have come at a better moment for Celtics nation as everyone needed something to help our minds wander of the real issue. He poured in his first triple double since 2010 and his 13 rebounds and 10 assists led the team in both categories. Terry was no better with his shot but he dropped a solid 13 points on some aggressive drives.

Barbosa was a spark at times for the team with his energy and will be a good option for the team moving forward. Courtney and Avery played great defense in the time they spent together but both weren't hitting the mark on the offensive end.

Good win for the day but the loss of Rondo will continue to hurt as it sinks in. Just a terrible season for the Celtics and their fans. There's a lot of different ways this season could play out and they all stink to think about. The only silver lining about the injury is that he probably cant be traded which is great for all the Rondo Celtics fans. Besides that time to watch youtube clips of the great #9. Sigh
















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