Rondo provides triple-double S&D effort, but is silent afterwards

Rajon Rondo didn’t have to face the formidable challenge of matching with reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose Sunday afternoon.

Rose’s absence likely helped contribute to Rondo’s 15th career triple-double, as the Boston point guard sliced through Boston for 32 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists in the Celtics’ 95-91 victory.

It was a big turnaround after Rondo’s struggles Friday night against Toronto, when he matched his season low with five points.

Rondo didn’t share any thoughts about his big game or his struggles in the previous game as he chose not to speak with the media after the victory against Chicago.

Boston coach Doc Rivers gave a small glimpse  of why he thought his point guard rebounded like he did from the poor previous game.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m going to let you guys be that deep. I wish I could get in someone’s head that deep,” Rivers said. “I just think he wanted to win.”

Boston forward Paul Pierce added to the praise for  Rondo.

“When he’s assertive, aggressive, the way he plays, we’re a tough team to stop,” Pierce told reporters after  the game. “When he’s out in transition, pushing the ball, taking the shots right there, rebounding, he’s just all energy. He just did it all. He was great to watch.”

Whatever the reason, Rondo came up big when his team needed him to, leading Sunday’s Studs and Duds.

STUDS

Boston G Rajon Rondo: Produced his 15th career triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists and was plus-8 in the Celtics’ victory over Chicago.

Golden State G Monta Ellis: Went for 33 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, a block and was plus-10 in the Warriors’ victory over Houston. 

Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant: Hit the game-winning shot to win at Toronto, notching 27 points and was plus-7 in the triumph over the Raptors.

Utah F Al Jefferson: Produced 21 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and was plus-8 in the Jazz’s victory at Memphis.

Miami F LeBron James: Filled the stat sheet with 23 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and was a team-best plus-26 in the Heat’s victory at Atlanta.

DUDS

Detroit G Brandon Knight: Went 1 for 9 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-17 in the Pistons’ loss to Washington.

Washington G Jordan Crawford: Clanked through a 2-for-12 shooting effort in the Wizards’ victory over Detroit.

Toronto G DeMar DeRozan: Went 2 of 13 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-4 in the Raptors’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Chicago F Luol Deng: Struggled through a 3-for-12 shooting effort with two turnovers and was minus-4 in the Bulls’ loss at Boston.

Detroit F Jonas Jerebko: Hit 3 for 8 from the field with three turnovers and was a team-worst minus-28 in the Pistons’ loss to Washington.

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