Jamal Mashburn

ESPN NBA analyst Jamal Mashburn joined the Dennis & Callahan show Thursday morning to discuss Game 7 of the NBA finals. Below are some highlights. To hear the interview, click on the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page.

On what Rasheed Wallace will give the Celtics:

Rasheed has experience and he comes to play, it seems like when he wants to play, when the moment shines the brightest. Obviously, what they need from him is rebounding and defense and for him to knock down a couple of those long 3-point shots to stake the defense. And also to stay out of foul trouble. I think that’s the critical part. with Kendrick Perkins being out of the lineup. Rasheed has to stay out of foul trouble, and he’s done a pretty good job of keeping his cool even though does continue to do his antics — it looks like he never gets whistled for a foul in his life. Rasheed Wallace is a capable player, but, as you mentioned, you talked about the consistency of Rasheed Wallace, that’s something the Boston Celtics wish they had; that’s what they had in Kendrick Perkins. Doc Rivers knew what he was going to get out of Kendrick Perkins, and that’s going to be awfully difficult to replace.

On if Game 7 brings out the best in most players:

It just depends on who you are. I’ve seen some guys, when I’ve played, you’ve had Game 5 situations, as well as Game 7 situations. But it depends on who you are. Some guys are great at staying in the moment and not thinking beyond that. And I think that’s how you have to approach it. I mean it is just another basketball game with “Game 7″ attached to it,  as far as when you’re going out there and playing and executing. And when guys tend to over-think it and buy into the hype before the game, if you’re a role player, it can usually affect how you play.

Some guys don’t get sleep the night before a Game 7 situation because they’re so nervous and anxious to get the game tipped off. It’s a process you have to go through, your routine. You have to remember, you played 82 games in the regular season, eight preseason games and a bunch of playoff games, so they’re all the same. You just have to stay in the moment and go out there and execute. Don’t try and do anything you’re not capable of doing; if you’re a rebounder, don’t attempt to shoot 3′s. Stay inside your role and play the game.

On if the Celtics will bring Nate Robinson off the bench early if the Celtics are struggling:

In Game 7 situations Doc [Rivers] is going to go with who he trusts. And right now I would have to say, depending upon what happens, I think Doc Rivers will pull out all the stops to win the game. But I think at the end of the day, Rajon Rondo will be the guy who finishes the game. Whatever happens in between there with him trying to find a spark, or him trying to get something out of Nate Robinson, I think Rondo will finish the game. Rondo has gotten them this far; this is Rondo’s team, and I think we all know that.

One Comments for “Mashburn on D&C: ‘This is Rondo’s team’”

1. Kevin forever Says:
   June 17th, 2010 at 10:41 am

   Thank you Kendrick!
   为兄弟而战！！！！！
   beat la !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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