The Kinda Big 2

Yes, Paul Pierce played another big-time game and his two free-throws at the end put a halt to the Lakers' all-too-realistic comeback, but there were some other Celtics making noise in last night's battle at the Garden.

I'm not taking anything away from Pierce ... I could go on for hours about him and how great he's been this postseason. He is the biggest reason the Celtics are only two wins away from glory and he's well on his way to being the Finals MVP. But Leon Powe (or Pow, according to Phil Jackson) and Rajon Rondo came up huge last night. You know your key guys are going to leave it all out on the court, but it's the role players that end up being just as significant in victory.

Powe the Show ... or Pow the Wow

It was more than fitting for Leon to play the game of his life last night. He put up 21 big points in just 15 minutes of playing time while a halftime piece on ABC was dedicated to his childhood struggles. It was a great story and people got to see how genuine of a guy Powe is. I know I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, but this one couldn't have been planned for a better night. Much like the Celtics in the middle quarters of last night's game, ABC put on a clinic with their halftime segment. It was a touching look in on a life of a brilliant man. All Celtics fans know Leon Powe, but the world (and apparently Phil Jackson) met him last night.

Raj Mahal

Rajon started this play with a block of Radmonovic and after a beautiful pass from KG he slammed it home. (Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Powe wasn't the only one making a name for himself in Game 2. Sure, most people know Rondo by now, but not many knew he was capable of producing the most assists in an NBA Finals game in 17 years. The last person to have 16 or more assists in a Finals game was Magic back in 1991 in a losing effort. Most importantly, Rondo's team didn't lose this night. He pushed the tempo all game and when Doc realized Sam Cassell makes me want to vomit (and he coincidentally sprained his wrist, which is payback for the sprain he's put on my heart throughout the playoffs), he let Rondo play a game-high 42 minutes.

How many first-year starters are leading their teams to Finals victories while dishing out 16 assists? Only one. Not Chris Paul, not Deron Williams -- just Rondo. He's on the biggest stage of his life and he's showing why Pierce, KG and Ray-Ray shouldn't be considered the only stars on this stacked Celtics squad.

Don't get me wrong, I love players that wear their emotions on their sleeves (like when KG eats his jersey or Perk nearly knocks out an official with his fist-pump) but this kid is one cool cucumber. He doesn't argue with refs nonstop, he's always willing to listen to advice (except Sam's -- as soon as you get the ball, shoot!) and learn from his mistakes. He doesn't get too down on himself when Doc benches him for one little "oops" play. Even after a big shot he doesn't take a second off to celebrate -- he's right back on defense.

He's shown some struggles on the road in the playoffs but name me a second-year player that doesn't have some off-games. He fills up the stat sheet, he pushes the tempo in favor of the Celtics and he even mixes in some street-ball moves like last night's fake behind-the-back alley-oop to Powe. I may be biased but there is nobody else I'd rather have running this team right now. His biggest test will be performing in the rowdy and star-studded Staples Center this week. Call me an optimist, but I think we're in good hands with Rondo at the helm.

Bullet-point mania

• I've seen some comedy in my day, but perhaps nothing greater than the NBA Cares promo last night showing Brian Scalabrine (or as I like to call him, B-Scals) competing against three children in a riveting game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. Regardless of who won that game (obviously Scal took them to town), I'm sure Scal was giving out encouraging high-fives afterwards. Apparently the NBA cares to provide an unapproachable comedic moment.
• Here's a home-call -- Rondo got an assist on that play where he passed to Powe (around half court) and Leon ran down the court and slammed it as the Lakers defenders looked on in awe. So maybe he really only had 15 and a half assists ... either way I'll take it.
• How do you think Antoine is feeling during all of this? Judging by his courtside demeanor, I'm going with not too well. Is there a way we can get him in on a celebrity edition of the Foxwoods Take-A-Shot to see him brick one more three at the Garden?
• We're supposed to believe Phil Jackson is the second-greatest coach ever (Red being the first) when he doesn't even know the name of an opposing player? It's the Finals, he's had a week to prepare, yet he couldn't get the correct pronunciation of the 12 players the Celtics suit up? No wonder why the Lakers didn't have an answer for Powe, their coach doesn't even know who he is.
• Some outgoing txt message highlights during Games 1 and 2: "Surprised it wasn't an offensive" (after Pierce's ACTUAL four-point-play), "I can't feel my heart, seriously I'm so scared my whole body is numb" (after Pierce was spotted in a wheel chair), "holy charge" (after the horrible blocking foul on PJ at the end of Game 1), "I jumped higher than him after that" (KG's last minute put-back), "I'm geeked" (after Game 1), "big way to close the half", "man I love this team", "bleepin' Powe, yah dude Powe is MVP".
• The Celtics' won AND Sam I Am got injured!!!! If we win Game 3 and Doc gets fired in the postgame press conference I may or may not implode from excitement.
• Two to go -- BEAT L.A.!