2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 4: Lowry Lives, Rondo Renaissance And Utah Misses Gobert

Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) defends against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) shoots over Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rondo And RoLo Renaissance

Tuesday night, the Chicago Bulls became the first 8-seed in NBA history to hold a 2-0 series lead over the 1-seed in a seven-game series. But as good as Jimmy Butler has been, the biggest advantages Chicago holds right now involve the Renaissances of Robin Lopez and Rajon Rondo.

Rondo, who’s been booed by his former Celtics fans, is making Boston pay for Isaiah Thomas‘ lackluster defense. His 11-14-9-5 stat line in Game 2 saw him nearly post a triple-double by halftime, and for the series he’s averaging 11.5 points, 10.0 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game.

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/854505779105112064

As for RoLo, he’s reminding people (*COUGH NEW YORK KNICKS COUGH*) that he’s a still a damn good center. Lopez is feasting on that Al Horford-anchored frontcourt, averaging 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game on 14-of-20 shooting.

Maybe at some point the Celtics will realize RoLo can knock down the 15-footers they keep letting him take, but at this point, they’d probably just be happy to keep him off the damn offensive boards.

Either way, the #TNTBulls continue be an unstoppable force of nature.