Carlisle Benches Rondo After On-Court Argument
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Dallas Mavericks rallied Tuesday night for a win over the Toronto Raptors, but did so without point guard Rajon Rondo.
Rondo, acquired from the Boston Celtics on December 19, was on the bench for most of the second half following an on-court argument with head coach Rick Carlisle.
The Mavericks were trailing the Raptors 62-53 in the early in the third quarter when Carlisle called out Rondo as he dribbled up the court. Apparently angry that his point guard was ignoring a play call, the head coach called a time out. As Rondo approached the bench, the two had a very animated conversation.
Following the "discussion," Rondo did not return to the floor.
Carlisle called it a "difference of opinion" after the game, and when asked why Rondo didn't play following the incident, he responded, "because I'm the coach and that's the decision that I made at the time."
Rondo played 17:45 in the 99-92 Dallas win, scoring four points to go with four assists and a pair of turnovers. He did not speak to the media following the game.
This is not the first time Carlisle has benched Rondo since acquiring the point guard. He sat the final five minutes in a loss to the Chicago Bulls in late January, though neither the player or the coach seemed too concerned about that incident.
The Mavericks knew they were getting a moody player when they traded for Rondo, but it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the offseason when the point guard becomes an unrestricted free agent.
CSNNE's Mike Gorman has spent a lot of time around Rondo throughout his career, and Wednesday morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich he offered his perspective of the incident.
Listen below:
