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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 1: Erik Spoelstra Praises 'Game Changer' Rajon Rondo

If the Boston Celtics are to overcome the odds and dispatch the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, they will probably require a dominant series from Rajon Rondo.

Miami has no obvious answer for Boston's lead guard, as evidenced by the 18.7 points, 13.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds he averaged in their three meetings this season.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may not know how to defend Rondo, but he sure has plenty of respect for him.

Per WEEI:

"Everyone talks about how he's he an X-factor. His greatness is his unpredictability," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's a game changer. Probably more than anything he recognizes the time. He recognizes whatever the team needs at the appropriate time, and that could be anything. You can't predict. It could be a defensive play, a steal, a rebound, an offensive rebound, a 3-pointer when you don't think he's a shooter. It could be breaking you down off the dribble. It could be finding any of those Hall of Famers for a wide open shot, but he transcends a definition of a point guard. What he is, is a winner."

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