When Rajon Rondo gets a triple double, which has now happened three times this season and 16 times in his career with the Boston Celtics, they’e almost guaranteed a win.
The Boston Celtics are 15-1 when Rondo gets the triple double, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, making it 13 triple doubles for him since the beginning of last season, including the playoffs. No one else in the NBA has more than 2 during that time span.
I’m getting a little bit older and the younger guys are coming in, and I may have a mark on my back being an older guy, having made a couple of All-Star games. I have a target on my back every night so I just want to go out and do what I do best: run the show and make some shots.
Rondo looked motivated against Kemba Walker, being involved in scoring or assisting for the Celtics during their first 19 points, coasting to a double digit lead in the first quarter, eliminating the worries from the rest of the games.
It was also a rare night for Rondo because he shot so well from the field, making 8-11 of his shots, including an impressive drive to the basket and a fake behind the back pass that ends with a layup. Against the worst defense in the NBA, everything looks easy.
In general, things look easy of late for the Celtics, winning their sixth consecutive game. They have allowed teams to score over 91 points only once during this run, as the return of Avery Bradley has really improved their defensive intensity issues, bringing Kevin Garnett back to life after a period where you weren’t so certain how energized the big man this entire defensive scheme leans on will show up.
Using Jared Sullinger more and more, while Brandon Bass takes a step backward in his role for the team, although keeping his starting place.
Are they for real? Is this the team Doc Rivers promised will be more intelligent than their opponents and tough enough to handle more talented teams, mostly referring to the Miami Heat? With their three wins in this current streak coming against teams that are directly involved in the chase after the Miami Heat in the East: The Hawks, Pacers and Knicks, one might suggest that the Celtics are now level with everyone else when it comes to their chances in the postseason, while looking from below at the Miami Heat, who despite their struggles, are considered to be heavy favorites in the conference.
Both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce had a rough day with their shooting, combining for 8 of 27 from the field. Garnett finished with 7 points and 10 rebounds, Pierce had 19 while dishing 6 assists. Avery Bradley and Jeff Green also finished in double figures, the Celtics scoring 27 times off assists. Hackim Warrick and Ramon Sessions led the Bobcats with 16 points each, falling to 9-28, the worst record in the NBA.