Statement game. That’s what Game 4 was.  Also was a game where Pierce had the Garden crowd jacked up from the opening tip, Rondo was smashing assists left and right, and Joe Johnson has yet to seen.  It feels like this series is pretty much done but I’m not going to say anything because I’m a superstitious Jew.  A few things from last night…

Paul…Pierce

Pierce was in classic playoff form from the get go. He finished with 24 points in just 17 minutes. Early in the second half, Pierce came up hobbled as he banged/twisted knees coming through a screen. And in typical Pierce fashion, he came back from a knee injury and drilled a three pointer on the following possession. Being Slow, jerky, and doughy, Pierce is still a dominant NBA player come playoff time.

Rajon Rondo

I find it impossible that Rondo still isn’t mentioned as the NBA’s top point guard. Chris Paul and Deron Williams can score, sure. But no other point guard in the NBA can deliver the ball in the perfect spot at a consistent rate like Rondo. And last night his passing ability was on full display yet again. Rondo finished with 20 points and 16 assists, and pulled off his patent ball fake move to demoralize the Hawks late in the game.

Al Horford returned to the lineup?

So for some reason Al Horford returned to the Hawks lineup. Horford hasn’t played since January and apparently the Hawks decided to let him go last night. I guess you have to do something when Joe Johnson is only scoring 9 points a game.