Goddamn, it’s nice to see The Magician back at work. Tossing dimes, pulling rabbits out of his hat and passing up open layups just like a normal day at the office.

I may be a hopeless optimist, but did I see Rondo’s elbow directly beneath the ball on his jump shot? Maybe it was just a fluke. But man, for ten minutes, it’s nice to think about basketball rather than the NBA lockout.

Then again, highlights like these are what we’re missing on a regular basis because the lockout continues. Without the lockout, the Celtics would have played seven preseason games already and be scheduled to start the regular season in one week.

Damn it. I’m already sad again.