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NBA OK with Rondo foul

Print | Comments () Posted by Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff April 29, 2009 04:20 PM

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An NBA official said the situation with Celtics guard Rajon Rondo's hard foul on Chicago's Brad Miller in Game 5 last night in Boston "stands as is."

There was some concern that Rondo could be assessed a flagrant foul or more because of his hard foul on the Bulls center with 2.0 seconds remaining in overtime in the Celtics' 106-104 victory.

Miller was left alone at the foul line on the inbounds pass. He took a pass from Kirk Hinrich, dribbled once to the basket and was hit in the face by Rondo, drawing blood, as his shot was blocked by Kendrick Perkins.

After an officials' review of the play, Miller, who appeared dazed, missed the first free throw, then fired the second shot off the backboard in an unsuccessful attempt to regain possession

Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro said after the game that he thought the Rondo foul was flagrant, which would have allowed the Bulls a final possession.

Naturally, Celtics coach Doc Rivers did not agree.

"Great foul by Rondo," Doc said. "You always talk about playoff basketball. No layups. Rondo did it on the very last play, and it won the game for us."