Rondo, Nash, Braden, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and John Havlicek better make room at the dinner table, because they have company. Rajon Rondo turned in one of the greatest playoff performances in Celtics playoff history---in NBA history as a matter of fact---that propelled Boston to a crucial Game 4 win over the Cavs. Rondo was simply exhilarating to watch, and his stats were absolutely astonishing. 18 rebounds for a point guard? That conjures memories of Magic Johnson.

---Rondo's magical performance---no pun intended---was far and away the signature performance by a player during these playoffs. The highlight of Rondo's game? That stupendous behind-the-back assist to Tony Allen (who also had a terrific game) that made even the great LeBron James look helpless on defense.

---I still like the Cavs to win the series, but there is definitely cause for concern in Cleveland. Despite a blowout loss in Game 3, the Celtics are playing with supreme confidence. If the Cavs are to win this series, LeBron needs to replicate the brilliance that he displayed in Game 3. That goes without saying. But King James cannot do it by himself. Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao, and J.J. Hickson all need to be productive if the Cavs are to advance.

---The winner of the Cavs-Celtics series will have their hands full with the Orlando Magic. The Magic have unquestionably been the best team so far in these NBA playoffs, and after devouring the Bobcats and Hawks in eight consecutive games, Stan Van Gundy's team has to be considered the favorite to win it all.

---I was one of many who criticized the Magic for letting go of Hedo Turkoglu last offseason. I was also one of many who doubted the acquisition of Vince Carter. But to this point at least, Orlando has proven me wrong. Turkoglu resided in complete obscurity this year in Toronto, while Carter has seemed to overcome his past selfishness to become a superb team player. All is well right now in Orlando.

---Out West, the story of the second round was the Phoenix Suns' stunning sweep of the rival San Antonio Spurs. The overwhelming speed and athleticism of the Suns exposed the age and fatigue of the Spurs. There were several surprising heroes for Phoenix, namely Goran Dragic and Jason Richardson. Dragic delivered an all-time great fourth quarter in Game 3, while J-Rich continues to show why he is one of the game's most underrated players. When all is said and done, however, the MVP of this series was the great Steve Nash.


---Nash continues to blow my mind. The guy just keeps getting better with age. His amazing one-eyed performance in Game 4 was one for the ages, and proof of Nash's incredible toughness. Nash is better with one eye than ninety-five percent of players are with two.

---Unfortunately, this spells the end of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. Tim Duncan's weary play in the Phoenix series served as a telling symbol of this team as a whole. After four championships, it is time for San Antonio to start rebuilding around a core of good young players, namely DeJuan Blair and George Hill, both of which have the potential to carry a franchise.

---It will be a Suns-Lakers Western Conference Finals. My full preview of that series will run later this week, but until then, let me just say the following: GO SUNS!!! BEAT L.A.!!!

---On to baseball now, where Dallas Braden threw a perfect game for the Oakland A's against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The fact that Braden, who lost his mother when he was young, threw his perfecto on Mother's Day with his grandmother in attendance made this an irresistible, deeply moving story. Congratulations Dallas Braden!

---Meanwhile in Red Sox Nation, all is not well. Don't let that win against the Yankees on Sunday night fool you. This team is in major trouble. The first thing that Terry Francona, Theo Epstein, and the rest of the Boston braintrust need to do is release David Ortiz. This will be incredibly heartbreaking and difficult, as Big Papi will long be remembered as a sports hero in Beantown. But despite a decent game at the plate last night, Ortiz seems to have lost his magic. Big Papi has already secured a spot in Cooperstown, but the Red Sox cannot let his poor play continue much longer.

---Baseball lost a true legend last week with the passing of longtime Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell. Harwell was one of the game's all-time great voices, and he is revered by the rest of his broadcasting brethren. Jon Miller, the great voice of the San Francisco Giants and voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, often tells a quote that reflects Harwell's wonderful spirit and self-deprecating sense of humor. Referring to his failed songwriting career, Harwell once said, "I had more no-hitters than Nolan Ryan." It is these moments of pure wit and joy that we will miss the most.

---In the world of horse racing, Calvin Borel continues to be a godlike presence. The jockey won his third Kentucky Derby in four years a couple of weeks ago at Churchill Downs atop Super Saver. This comes just one year after Borel was a Belmont Stakes victory away from claiming the triple crown. You can't help but root for Borel, an energetic and charming guy who is the perfect embodiment of Southern hospitality. Keep up the good work, Calvin.

---Memo to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao: Get together and fight! You have the opportunity to save the sport of boxing. Please give the fans what they want to see.

---I will end with a comment on the sad fall from grace of Lawrence Taylor. I can't think of another start athlete besides O.J. Simpson who has had a more stunning fall than L.T. I will never understand what motivates such gifted, blessed people from throwing it all away with one mindblowingly cruel and colossally stupid decision. So sad.