Rondo emerging as Celtics' newest star vs. Bulls

But it was Rajon Rondo who delivered the knockout blow.

Literally.

Rondo had already done everything else thus far, so why not come up with the most important single play of the first round of the playoffs. He entered Game 5 of the series, which was tied at 2-2 going in Tuesday's game, averaging a triple-double.

However, it was his hard foul to the head of 7-footer Brad Miller that may have saved the series.

A groggy Miller, who looked as though he'd gone a few rounds with the vintage Mike Tyson, stepped to the line with two seconds left and a chance to send it into double overtime.

He kept grabbing his bloodied and swollen upper lip and attempting to shake off the cobwebs, but he didn't stand a chance.

Miller missed both shots — the second on purpose — and now the Celtics will head back to Chicago with a chance to close out of the best-of-seven series.