Rondo On Early-Season Struggles: 'I've Not Been Myself'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Rajon Rondo has not looked like himself during the early goings of the 2014-15 season, and the Celtics point guard is the first to admit that.
"I've not been myself," Rondo said following Boston's 109-102 overtime win over the Pistons Wednesday night at the TD Garden. "I haven't been as aggressive. I haven't been making shots. I've been turning the ball over. Like I said, a lot of losses I put on myself. I have to find a better rhythm."
Rondo struggled to find that rhythm again Wednesday night, shooting just 1-for-6 from the floor. He finished with just two points for the third straight game, to go with a rather pedestrian eight assists (to follow-up his 19-assist game in Monday's loss against Atlanta) and three rebounds in Wednesday's win.
The most telling sign of Rondo's struggles came late in the game though, when it was clear the C's were staying away from their floor general in the final minutes of regulation. Brad Stevens chose to play off of Rondo late in the game, not allowing the Pistons to play a little "hack-a-Rondo," and the point guard even found himself on the bench when it was clear the Pistons would be sending Boston to the free throw line. A career 61-percent shooter from the line, Rondo is just 9-for-30 (30-percent) from the charity stripe this season.
As for what is causing all these struggles, Rondo isn't sure. But he remains confident that he can return to his All Star level of play soon.
"I don't really have that answer," said Rondo. "If I had that, I'd probably figure it out. I'm still confident in myself, still believing in myself. That hasn't shied away from my game and I'll continue to do better."
For the season, Rondo is averaging 8.3 points, 10.9 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game.
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