Rondo and the Celtics were completely exposed at the PG spot on the offensive end. They kept doubling off Rondo, neutralizing Pierce or Garnett, whoever Rondo passed to. If he's not going to shoot, he needs to take it to the basket (which he started to do later in the game). Rondo gets completely frustrated by Billups. The T was evidence of that.
House wasn't the answer either and I can't really say I have much confidence in Cassell, but what they did last night wasn't working.
It's unfortunate they didn't develop Gabe Pruitt more during the season, they could have used him. Their PG situation stalled their offense in the 4th.
As for the Celtics D, the Pistons ran the same play for Rip Hamilton 15 times in the 4th, (exaggeration, it just felt like it) Billups has the ball on the right side near half court. Rip runs away from Billups towards the opposite corner, around 3 picks, back towards half court where Billups passes him the ball. Ray Allen, about 10 feet back, unable to keep up finds himself completely out of the play. Garnett, or Perkins come in to front Rip either too late, leading to an easy jumper, or a pass to the person they were guarding down low.
Bottom line, Ray Allen is too slow to guard Rip. Rip is RAllen 5 years ago. Tony Allen clearly wasn't ready to step in, too many careless plays.
The Pistons deserved that one last night. I don't know if the C's have the crunch time fortitude to eke one out at the Palace, but it'll be exciting to watch.
Who knows, maybe Cassell learned something from the benching and comes in on Saturday and makes the difference.