BOSTON — Wait, didn’t Rajon Rondo have hand surgery less than two months ago?
You’d never know it by watching him play this season.
The Celtics point guard has been phenomenal through the team’s first four games, averaging 9.3 points, 12.5 assists and 9.0 rebounds despite not playing a single minute in the preseason. He flirted with a triple-double in each of his first three contests before finally achieving one Wednesday with a 13-point, 15-assist, 10-board showing in a 110-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Of Rondo’s 15 helpers, none were sweeter than this: a no-look baseline dish to Avery Bradley for a wide-open 3-pointer.
Having a fully healthy Rondo has been immensely helpful for these Celtics — “awesome,” in the words of forward Jared Sullinger — but that boost has not shown in the standings thus far. Boston has dropped three straight since winning its season opener. The C’s squandered a 16-point lead in Wednesday’s defeat.
“I’m not happy with any losses we have,” Rondo said. “This one doesn’t hurt more than the next one. A loss is a loss. Me personally, I’ve been disappointed the last three games. I don’t sleep well (after) losses and I play the game over and over.”
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
