by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni
Rajon Rondo wasn’t exactly apologetic about being forced to sit out a Playoff game due to his suspension, but he sure was happy that his teammates were able to pull out the critical Game 2 win without him in Atlanta.
As the first round series shifts to Boston for games 3 and 4, the Boston Celtics’ star point guard is encouraged by his squad’s resolve. So much so, that Rondo feels as though Boston has basically already won the series (which is currently tied at 1 game apiece.)
From the Boston Herald:
Doc Rivers had told reporters that Rondo thanked his teammates for defeating the Hawks without him and evening the series at 1-1 on Tuesday. But the petulant point guard wasn’t carrying any contrition when he stepped onto the practice court and into the firing squad of pens and microphones and cameras yesterday. “The end result is all that matters,” Rondo said. “If there had been a different result, it would have been very difficult. But since we won, it felt like we won the series already.”
Rondo was asked about the appreciation he showed to his teammates — he ran down the tunnel at Philips Arena and hugged Kevin Garnett — and whether he felt he let his teammates down by missing the game. “I didn’t feel like I needed to say thank you for getting this win,” Rondo replied. “We’re trying to get as many wins as possible. You know, they’ve won without me before, so it’s not the first game I’ve missed. I’ve missed (for) injuries and suspensions. It’s just a big win because this is the playoffs. You know, every win counts.” And about the letting them down thing? “No,” he told the TV reporter. “Do you feel like I let them down?”
Despite having given the embattled Hawks plenty of bulletin board material with his comment about the Celtics feeling like they have the series in the bag, Rajon Rondo has reason to feel confident. Ray Allen appears to be on the mend, and Atlanta might have to go into battle tonight sans Josh Smith.
Rondo has done plenty of talking; now he’s gotta back it up.
