Rajon Rondo Rampages Up The Record Books

With his third triple-double in the first nine games of this young postseason, Rondo has been the guy keeping the defending champions afloat in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  His 15-point, 18-assist, and 11-rebound performance helped fuel a crucial Celtics victory to even up their series against the Orlando Magic.

By Jason M. Williams

Often overlooked in the shadows of the Big Three – Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen – Rondo has emerged as a force this postseason, averaging an alarming 18.8 points, 11.1 assists, and 9.4 rebounds.

Despite being the starting point guard for last season’s championship squad, he looked lost at times, notably in the three NBA Finals road games that saw the Lakers win two out of three while Rondo was held to only 5 points, 3 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game.  His moxie was in question by Doc Rivers as he was seen more as a spectator than a floor general while Sam Cassell and Eddie House ate up most of his minutes.

But this year?  He’s ready to set the record books on fire.

His third triple-double ties Larry Bird for the Celtics record for most triple-doubles in a single postseason year, and trails only Jason Kidd and Magic Johnson by one for the most since 1986.

I think its safe to say that during this year’s postseason, Rondo won’t find himself looking over his shoulder wondering when Rivers is going to take him out in favor of Stephon Marbury.