Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Game 2 Win Over Celtics

Rajon Rondo Turns In Vintage Performance

To say that Rajon Rondo had an eventful season as a member of the Bulls would be an understatement.

Whether it was a one-game suspension for a verbal altercation with assistant coach Jim Boylen, or being taken out of the rotation for five-and-a-half games, Rondo has certainly had his fair share of moments.

But despite the fact that he averaged 7.8 points per game — the second-lowest scoring output of his career — the Celtics expected Rondo to elevate his game once the postseason began.

"“He’s always gonna play his best [in big games],” Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas told ESPN. “And that’s just me watching him when I was younger and before I got in the NBA. You know, when it counts, he’s gonna be ready and he’s gonna perform. So we’ve got to slow him down and eliminate what he does best, and that’s getting everyone involved.”"

So far, Thomas’ statement has proven to be prophetic. In the series opener, Rondo’s final stat line included 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists. In Game 2, Rondo nearly notched a triple-double, scoring 11 points to go along with 14 assists and nine rebounds.

Oh, did I mention that the guy also had five steals and finished with plus-24 rating — the highest mark of any player on both teams?

Simply put, the Bulls needed a big outing from Rondo and that is exactly what they got.