Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 Victory
By Jack Jameson
Rajon Rondo’s Injury Was a Blessing
Prior to the game, it was announced that Chicago Bulls point guard, and former Celtic great, Rajon Rondo was out indefinitely with a broken thumb. You never want to see injuries in the NBA, but without Rondo, the Bulls’ offense looked like a hot mess.
However, Rondo was able to conTRIPute on the bench in his own way.
On a serious note, Dwyane Wade, Nikola Mirotic and Michael Carter-Williams were the Bulls’ team leaders in assists, with a whopping three apiece. Rondo’s replacement in the starting lineup, Jerian Grant, scored six points with four turnovers in 15 minutes of action.
Rondo had as many assists in Game 2 as the entire Bulls squad had in Game 3.
As a team, the Bulls shot 39 percent from the field and 28 percent from three. Wade (6-of-18) and Jimmy Butler (7-of-21) were both widely inefficient. While this can’t all be contributed to Rondo’s absence, Rondo is still incredibly gifted at orchestrating an offense and possesses amazing court vision.
Add this on to the fact that Rondo almost put up a triple double in Game 2 (11 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists), and the Celtics aren’t too bummed that Rondo isn’t on the floor.