Boston Celtic’s coach Doc Rivers optimistic about Rajon Rondo and Delonte West for game - 4
The Boston Celtics’ coach Doc Rivers is optimistic on having his point guard Rajon Rondo and reserve guard Delonte West back in the line-up, when the Celts take on the Miami Heat in the game-4 of the best of seven semi final series.
Rondo dislocated his elbow in game 3 after a nasty scuffle with Miami’s Dwyane Wade while Delonte West is also doubtful for the game as a result of left bruised shoulder.
However the Hall of Fame coach also admitted that nothing can be said for sure until game time.
"I'm optimistic about both, that they're going to play. I don't know why I am, but I am. I just don't know how well either one can play. But like I've said, if you're on the floor, you're healthy, and that's the way it's been.
That's been my motto since I've been here and our guys believe that." Rivers said.
Despite of dislocating the elbow in the game against the Heat, Rondo returned to the court earlier in the fourth quarter to everybody’s surprise and helped the team to clinch a comprehensive 97-81 victory. Rondo handed out a game-high
11 assists and the Celtics managed to trim down best-of-seven game series lead to 2-1.
On Sunday, Rivers confirmed that Rajon’s elbow swelled up after the adrenaline wore off and the superstar was in a lot more discomfort. On the other hand, Delonte endured a shoulder bruise just before the halftime. Although,
Doc had expressed pessimism about West after the game, the shooting guard has shown good improvement is likely to carry the action on Monday night.
The veteran coach emphasised that the team will truly know about the status of both the players on Monday but their return will not come at the cost of the teams’ physicality and attitude.
The spirited Rivers is positively prepared for the upcoming showdown and said, “I think it was Kevin [Garnett] actually who said it, what I always say, 'If you're in uniform, you're healthy. If you're not healthy, you're not in
uniform.' That's how we always viewed it. And we will make no excuses [Monday]. [Monday] is a playoff game, it's Game 4, and we have to win. That's all we have to think about."
Monday’s game is more important for the Boston Celtics who are looking forward to tie the series.
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