Gino's Jungle

In the previous 2 games against the Pacers and Hawks, Rondo has ended the game with less than 10 assists. I think we could all agree that for the first 5 games (5th being against Phili) of the season the Celtics were rolling. In those 5 games, Rondo only had 1 game under 10 assists and it came against the 76ers, which just so happened to be the game he played his fewest minutes of the season because we were demolishing the opponents.

The Celtics are 3-2 in games where Rondo has fewer than 10 assists. One of the wins came in the game I mentioned above. The other 2 were against the New Jersey Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. We all know how those games went. Am I saying the past 2 games have been completely on Rondo not getting assists? No, the defense has struggled too, but it is surely part of it.

In the game against Indiana, the Celtics were up 9 at the half. In the first half there was a lot of team ball being played. For whatever reason, that changed in the 2nd half as it became a lot more of one on one. Not only does that lead to missed shots for us, but a huge change in momentum. Momentum is very key on the road regardless to who the team is we are playing.

When Rondo goes for over 10 assists a game the Celtics have an average margin of victory of 14.8 points. I think I would dare to say that as Rondo brings his game to produce open shots for everyone else, so go the Celtics.